In 2010, Rackspace and NASA initiated the OpenStack project, an open-source alternative for operating an AWS-style cloud within private data centers. The project was later transferred to the OpenStack Foundation, now known as the Open Infrastructure Foundation, which has guided it through various challenges. Currently, with the controversy surrounding Broadcom’s licensing changes to VMware, OpenStack is experiencing a resurgence as companies seek alternative solutions, making it an opportune time for the project to welcome VMware refugees.

Today, the Open Infrastructure Foundation, which rebranded from the OpenStack Foundation in 2021 after the project’s momentum had slowed, has announced plans to join the Linux Foundation. This merger brings together three of the world’s most significant open-source projects, including Linux, Kubernetes, and OpenStack, under the Linux Foundation’s umbrella. Additionally, the OpenInfra Foundation hosts other projects such as Kata Containers, Airship, Zuul, and StarlingX.

The relationship between the OpenInfra/OpenStack Foundation and the Linux Foundation’s Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) has experienced its share of challenges over the years, partly due to Kubernetes’ rapid growth and OpenStack being perceived as legacy technology. However, the two organizations have been collaborating more closely through the Open Infrastructure Blueprint.

According to Jonathan Bryce, the long-time executive director of the OpenInfra Foundation, “The data center infrastructure market is undergoing a significant transformation driven by AI demands, virtualization migration, and digital sovereignty. The OpenInfra Foundation is already closely aligned with many Linux Foundation projects supporting this transformation, making it an ideal time to combine resources and build upon our work in driving this trillion-dollar market. Together with the Linux Foundation, we can collaborate to develop, deploy, and shape a future where open source continues to thrive.”

Linux Foundation executive director Jim Zemlin noted that the two organizations’ “rich history of partnership and closely linked communities will drive our shared mission to advocate for and advance the power and promise of open source.”

Once the merger is complete, the OpenInfra Foundation will operate within the Linux Foundation, similar to other open-source foundations under the same umbrella. The impact on the OpenInfra Foundation’s staffing remains to be seen.

According to Julia Kreger, chair of the OpenInfra Board of Directors, “The OpenInfra Foundation enters 2025 with strong momentum, having increased member organizations by 15%, including two new Platinum members. Our projects are thriving, with OpenStack adoption surging and OpenInfra projects like Kata Containers, StarlingX, and Zuul experiencing increased adoption. By combining our global community of 110,000 with the Linux Foundation, we can leverage the power of open source and set the stage for continued success as we build the next decade of infrastructure.”

This marks my last post for TechCrunch. Farewell, and thank you for all the fish.