OpenTF: A New Era for Open Source Infrastructure as Code

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, open source has long been a beacon for innovation and community collaboration. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools, such as HashiCorp’s Terraform, have transformed how organizations manage and deploy cloud resources. Amidst HashiCorp’s recent shift from MPL 2.0 to Business Source License (BSL) v1.1 for Terraform, OpenTF emerges as a beacon of hope for those committed to open source ideals.

OpenTF represents a consortium focused on preserving the open-source spirit of IaC tools, highlighting the resilience and the ongoing desire within the community to maintain free and open collaboration. This post delves into the birth, vision, and potential impact of OpenTF.

OpenTF: Origin and Mission

In response to HashiCorp’s license shift, OpenTF was formed. Its core mission? To ensure that IaC remains by the community, for the community. OpenTF aims to act as a steward for open source IaC tools, committed to principles of transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration. It endeavors to provide a communal space where contributors can work together to build a robust, reliable, and entirely open-source IaC platform.

The OpenTF Framework

OpenTF seeks to build an extensive ecosystem around open-source IaC tools. It plans to encourage contributions from individual developers, enterprises, and academic institutions alike, fostering a space where ideas are freely shared and built upon. A key focus is developing comprehensive documentation and resources that empower users to effectively use, modify, and contribute to OpenTF projects.

OpenTF and the Broader Community

OpenTF doesn’t exist in isolation — it is part of a broader network of developers, companies, and projects all contributing to the open-source movement. Companies like Spacelift, known for their managed and extensible infrastructure as code platforms, play a significant role in this ecosystem. Collaboration with companies such as Spacelift is central to OpenTF’s vision, as they help to bridge the gap between raw open-source tools and polished enterprise solutions.

It’s crucial for OpenTF to establish strong partnerships and integrations across this ecosystem. OpenTF aims to actively engage with other open-source initiatives and to participate in dialogue and cooperation with entities like the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) and other influential bodies in the tech world. The collaboration with enterprises that share a commitment to open-source principles, such as Spacelift, is invaluable in this endeavor.

Through these relationships, OpenTF hopes to create a cohesive and powerful community where innovation in infrastructure as code can thrive in an open, collaborative, and inclusive environment.

Challenges and Opportunities

While OpenTF represents a beacon of hope for open-source IaC, it’s not without its challenges. Funding, governance, and adoption are all hurdles that OpenTF must navigate. However, these challenges are also opportunities. As a new entity, OpenTF has the potential to build a sustainable model for open-source IaC that can serve as a blueprint for future projects.

Conclusion

In a world where the lines between open source and commercial software are increasingly blurred, OpenTF represents a commitment to a different way of doing things. It is a call to return to the roots of what made open source such a powerful movement: community, collaboration, and the free exchange of ideas and code.

In the face of licensing shifts from major players like HashiCorp, OpenTF stands as a testament to what passionate and committed communities can achieve when they unite under a shared vision. As OpenTF moves forward, it carries the hopes and aspirations of countless developers and organizations looking to leverage the power of Infrastructure as Code in a truly open and collaborative manner.

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

Originally Posted on Medium