Companies create Open Source Program Offices (OSPO) to manage their relationship with the open source ecosystems they depend on. By understanding the company’s open source ecosystem, an OSPO is able to maximize the company’s return on investment and reduce the risks of consuming, contributing to, and releasing open source software. Additionally, since the company depends on its open source ecosystem, ensuring its health and sustainability shall ensure the company’s health, sustainable growth, and evolution.
Just like a company manages its proprietary software licensing, payments, etc the open source side should also be managed properly and should not be a free-for-all. It’s not just about vetting and security but also upstream contributions, lifecycle management, upgrades, and much more. Too many companies think financial control is enough but really only works if you are purchasing all your software.
See A guide to setting up your Open Source Program Office (OSPO) for success
Companies create Open Source Program Offices (OSPO) to manage their relationship with the open source ecosystems they depend on. By understanding the company’s open source ecosystem, an OSPO is able to maximize the company’s return on investment and reduce the risks of consuming, contributing to, and releasing open source software. Additionally, since the company depends on its open source ecosystem, ensuring its health and sustainability shall ensure the company’s health, sustainable growth, and evolution.