OpenTF's Manifesto

Introduction

In the realm of Infrastructure as Code (IaC), OpenTF emerges as a beacon for collaboration and community commitment to open-source ideals. With OpenTF's manifesto at its core, this initiative seeks to reshape the landscape of IaC tools and principles. This article delves into OpenTF's manifesto, breaking down its pillars, goals, and the implications for the broader tech community.

The Genesis of OpenTF

In the dynamic world of cloud computing and Infrastructure as Code (IaC), significant changes have occurred in recent years. One such pivotal moment was when prominent IaC tool providers, such as HashiCorp, altered their licensing model. HashiCorp's Terraform, a leading IaC tool, underwent a license shift that generated substantial discussion in the tech community. It was in response to these industry movements and shifts in the open-source landscape that OpenTF was conceived.

A Response to a Changing Landscape

As HashiCorp moved Terraform's licensing model from MPL 2.0 to Business Source License (BSL) v1.1, concerns grew within the open-source community. Many saw this move as a potential threat to the open and collaborative nature of IaC tools. OpenTF was formed in this context, as a proactive response to preserve the open-source nature of IaC tools and to avoid vendor lock-in scenarios that such license changes might foster.

The Community's Initiative

OpenTF wasn't born in a corporate boardroom; it was the initiative of the community - developers, engineers, and organizations that had been relying on Terraform and other IaC tools. They united, driven by the shared vision of keeping these tools accessible, transparent, and under open governance, rooted in the spirit of the open-source movement.

A Vision for the Future

From its inception, OpenTF was not just about preserving the current state of IaC tools, but also about charting a sustainable and inclusive future for them. Its founders envisioned a consortium that would not just fork existing tools, but actively develop, maintain, and improve them, all while ensuring they remain free and open.

The Formation of OpenTF

The foundation of OpenTF was a concerted effort, involving extensive dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders. Individuals and organizations came together, pooling their expertise, resources, and passion for open-source principles. From these collaborative beginnings, OpenTF's mission was crystallized: to ensure that IaC remains a vibrant, community-driven field that is by the community, for the community.

The Core Tenets of the Manifesto

Transparency

OpenTF is committed to keeping its operations and decisions clear and open. The manifesto highlights the significance of keeping the community involved and informed in every step.

Inclusivity

OpenTF's manifesto emphasizes a community that welcomes contributors from all backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration.

Collaboration

OpenTF seeks to foster partnerships with other organizations and projects, believing in the shared knowledge and communal development of IaC tools.

Bridging the Gap with Industry

Companies like Spacelift, known for managed and extensible IaC platforms, play a significant role in OpenTF's vision. Collaborations with industry partners are fundamental in striking a balance between raw open-source tools and polished enterprise solutions.

OpenTF's Commitments

The manifesto outlines specific commitments that OpenTF vows to uphold, including resisting pressures that compromise its core tenets and actively engaging with the broader open-source community.

The Broader Community

OpenTF isn't a silo. It's part of a vast network of developers, companies, and projects contributing to the open-source movement. Its manifesto outlines the initiative's commitment to active dialogue and cooperation with entities like the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) and influential bodies in the tech world.

Challenges and Opportunities

While OpenTF offers hope for open-source IaC, it is not without its hurdles. Funding, governance, and adoption are all challenges that OpenTF is prepared to navigate, as outlined in its manifesto.

A Call to Action

The manifesto isn't just a set of guiding principles - it's a call to action. OpenTF is inviting developers, organizations, and enthusiasts alike to be part of this journey. It's a call for the community to unite under a shared vision and shape the future of IaC.

A Glimpse into the Future

With the manifesto as its foundation, OpenTF aims to become a standard bearer in the IaC community, pushing for a future where collaboration, transparency, and inclusivity are not just ideals, but practice.

Conclusion

In an era where the line between open-source and commercial software is increasingly blurred, OpenTF stands as a reminder of what made open source such a compelling movement. The manifesto of OpenTF is not just a document; it is a declaration of intent and a map for the future. As OpenTF moves forward, it embodies the hopes of countless developers and organizations keen to leverage the power of IaC in a truly open and collaborative manner.

1. OpenTF's Manifesto
2. OpenTF GitHub Repository
3. Read Spacelift's Blog Post on the Subject

Originally Posted on Medium