Open Source Governance: The Eclipse Model

Open source governance is a concept that is sometimes misunderstood or forgotten in new open source projects. Good open source governance can help maintain the long-term health of any open source community, and includes the process of writing down how decisions are made, rules of engagement for projects and how the rules can be changed in the future.  Most mature and successful open source communities have a well-defined governance model.

While there are many governance models that have been developed by different open source communities, our experiences at the Eclipse Foundation, led me to  some key concepts that help create an environment of ”good” open source governance.

1. Complete transparency: Make sure all the key rules and processes are written down...
2. Vendor neutrality...
3. Appeal to multiple stakeholders...
4. Separation of Church and State...