Skip to content
Published on

What is an OSPO and do I need one?

Categorized
Open Source

An OSPO or Open Source Program Office is a centralized team or department within an organization that manages open source strategy, policies, and practices. The concept of an OSPO has become increasingly popular as more companies recognize the importance of open source in software development and IT in general.

Key Functions of an OSPO

OSPOs serve a range of functions, many/most of which are tailored to fit the requirements and practices of that particular organization. OSPOs help define a company’s strategy for using, contributing to, and releasing open source software. OSPOs facilitate collaboration with the communities around open source projects of interest, including contributing to those projects and managing and promoting the company's own open source projects.

Importantly, OSPOs establish policies and guidelines for open source usage, contribution, and release within the company.  They also ensure that the organization complies with open source licenses and legal obligations  Of equal importance is involvement by the OSPO in securing the use and deployment of open source software, including tracking and mitigation of vulnerabilities.

OSPOs also perform education and advocacy, training employees about open source best practices, encouraging contribution, and fostering a culture of openness and innovation.

Does my organization really need an OSPO?

Many large companies, such as Google, Microsoft, and Red Hat, have established OSPOs to manage their extensive involvement with open source software.  Smaller organizations and start-ups usually begin the open source management journey by designating or hiring an Open Source Program Officer.

When an organization reaches a certain level of engagement with open source software, you probably should consider expanding the individual role to a virtual/cross-departmental team.  When and if participation in that team occupies more than 25% of team members’ available hours, then it’s probably time for a dedicated OSPO.

Following are key indicators that it might be time to establish an OSPO:

Significant Use of Open Source Software – If your company relies heavily on open source software for its products, services, or infrastructure, an OSPO can help manage the complexities of licensing, compliance, and security.

Active/Frequent Contribution to Open Source Projects – If your organization or its developers are regularly contributing to open source projects, an OSPO can coordinate contributions, manage relationships with the open source community, and ensure that contributions align with company goals.

Releasing Projects as Open Source – If your organization is starting to release its own software as open source, an OSPO can help manage the process, including the legal, marketing, and community-building aspects.

Compliance and Legal Concerns – As your company scales its use of open source, ensuring compliance with licenses becomes more critical. An OSPO can help mitigate legal risks by ensuring that the organization follows best practices for license compliance.

Centralized Governance – When multiple departments or teams are engaging with open source independently, it can lead to inconsistencies and increased risk. An OSPO can provide centralized governance, policies, and guidelines to ensure a unified approach to open source across the organization.

Security Concerns – I f your company is concerned about the cybersecurity risks arising from integration and deployment of open source software, an OSPO can help establish processes for monitoring, assessing, and mitigating vulnerabilities in open source components.

Building or Enhancing Company Reputation – Today’s developers review a company’s level of open source participation before deciding to join, as do potential partners and acquirers.  An OSPO can enhance a company’s reputation across open source communities by engaging in high-profile projects, sponsoring and contributing to key initiatives, and leading innovation.

Scaling Open Source Activities – As your company's involvement with open source grows, so can the complexities. While many organizations An OSPO can scale your open source efforts efficiently, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Inner Source Program – many organizations are cautious about stepping out in the world of “public” open source.  They see legal and reputational risk in sharing code outside of their corporate boundaries.   Other companies, after enjoying great benefit from open source participation, seek to employ the technique and tactic of open source to their regular software development life-cycle.  In both cases, they may choose to launch an inner source program, centered in an OSPO.

Resources for Creating an OSPO

When you are ready to launch a full-bore open source management program, there exist a range of resources to help you and your team plan, staff and run a Program Office.  The major open source foundations and other organizations offer on-line how-to resources and training, and open source strategy and management consultancies (including the author’s company) offer specialized practices to help you get started with an OSPO and/or optimize the operation of an existing open source program.