Long-time Java developers may recall Codehaus, which combined a Java open source project hosting service and community. Now, inspired by its legacy, a new group of developers has established the Commonhaus Foundation.
At its core, Commonhaus embodies a vision of providing a neutral harbor for established open source libraries and frameworks seeking a home. The foundation’s mission is to ensure a nurturing environment where projects can flourish unabated, transcending generations of technology evolution.
Now, you may say that we already have this scenario with such organizations as the Apache Software Foundation, the Linux Foundation, and the OpenInfra Foundation. That’s all true, but they have clearly defined patterns for their child foundations.
What sets Commonhaus apart is its emphasis on offering guidance and support instead of imposing mandates. Instead of setting rules for how an organization must be set up and run, it empowers projects to navigate in their own way.
Its key principles include succession planning, which addresses the always tricky question of the “bus factor.” That is, it addresses how an open source project can keep going if one or more of its leaders die in a bus accident. The foundation addresses this by providing an intricate web of leadership transitions and contributor changes with grace, thereby safeguarding their influence and functionality over time.
Erin Schnabel, a founding member and chairperson of the Commonhaus Foundation, articulated the rationale behind this initiative. “The open source ecosystem has undergone profound transformations in recent years,” Schnabel remarked. “While existing foundations have laid the groundwork for numerous successful projects, the advent of fiscal hosting platforms and self-governance models has unveiled a clear need for a fresh approach.”
“Traditional governance structures may not align with the unique needs of projects that have cultivated their own practices and infrastructure,” Schnabel continued. “These projects often face hurdles when considering merging into existing foundations, leaving crucial needs unaddressed. Commonhaus seeks to bridge this gap, ensuring that projects of all stripes receive the support they need to thrive.”
Trisha Gee, a distinguished software engineer and Java Champion, echoed Schnabel’s sentiments. “Commonhaus fills a crucial void in the support ecosystem for open source projects,” Gee asserted. “Its focus on community and continuity is paramount for ensuring sustainability and mitigating maintainer burnout. Successful projects shouldn’t have to compromise their autonomy to access foundation support.”
The roster of projects joining Commonhaus at its inception reads like a Who’s Who of the open source world, including Hibernate, Jackson, OpenRewrite, JBang, JReleaser and Morphia. What these projects have in common is a desire for a stable, nurturing home without having to shift existing governance structures.
Gavin King, Red Hat distinguished engineer and parent of Hibernate, offered another reason to join Commonhaus. “We’ve never really overcame the perception that this is a project dominated by one company,” King said. “That’s something we want to finally change. Red Hat’s leadership and sponsorship have been a source of stability, continuity, and user confidence, and we don’t wish to undermine that. But what we would like to do now is open up space for other groups and companies also to feel included in the project.”
The Foundation extends an open invitation to developers, contributors, projects and sponsors to join its cause. Through sponsorship on platforms like GitHub, individuals, and organizations can not only provide financial support but also shape the strategic direction of open source development.
As the Commonhaus Foundation sets sail on its maiden voyage, it aims to chart a course toward a future in which open source projects can continue to thrive unfettered by the specter of obsolescence.
Photo credit: Luke Southern on Unsplash
