In a significant move for the open-source ecosystem, Akamai has announced that it will take over the hosting service and content delivery network (CDN) needs for Kernel.org, the leading platform for distributing the source code of the Linux kernel. This agreement, signed through a multi-year contract with the Linux Kernel Organization, will enable Akamai’s infrastructure to support the project’s needs, including the Linux kernel Git repositories and all associated dependencies hosted on Kernel.org.
A Key Infrastructure for the Linux Kernel Development
The Linux kernel, with approximately 28 million lines of code, serves as the foundation of the most widely used open-source operating system in the world. This continuously evolving and improving operating system is crucial for a variety of devices and services we use daily, from smartphones and supercomputers to data centers and cloud computing platforms.
Since its release in 2005, over 13,500 developers from more than 1,300 companies have contributed to the Linux kernel codebase. However, the infrastructure behind this work is equally vital, which is why the partnership between Akamai and Kernel.org is fundamental. Akamai will provide high-availability infrastructure services at no cost to the community, ensuring that developers around the world can quickly access the Linux kernel codebase.
Akamai’s Contribution to the Open Source Ecosystem
Akamai, known for its expertise in cybersecurity and cloud computing services, has been an active player in the open-source software world. This partnership with Kernel.org is just one of many efforts by Akamai to support open-source projects, a strategy that has also included a significant financial contribution to the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), valued at $1 million.
The company also provides hosting infrastructure for Alpine Linux, another popular Linux distribution, especially after support was suspended on Equinix Metal, which affected several open-source organizations, including FreeDesktop.org.
Commitment to Security and Performance
Akamai not only provides robust infrastructure but also focuses on enhancing the security and performance of the Linux kernel. Through this collaboration, developers and users can rely on a trustworthy environment for accessing Linux source code and collaborating on its evolution.
The global infrastructure of Akamai and its content delivery network (CDN) will allow developers worldwide to quickly access the Git repositories of Kernel.org, which is crucial given the size and complexity of the project. Akamai’s high availability and low latency services ensure that developers can work efficiently, without interruptions.
A Pillar for the Open-Source Community
Akamai’s support for the Linux kernel and other open-source projects like Alpine Linux highlights the importance of contributions from the tech industry to the open-source community. The company has been a prominent member of the CNCF and also actively contributes to various projects like OpenTelemetry, Argo, and Prometheus. Furthermore, Akamai has invested in Linode, a Linux-based cloud computing pioneer, and in Ondat, a Kubernetes-native platform for cloud-state applications.
The Impact for the Developer Community
The collaboration with Akamai represents a significant advantage for the developer community working on the Linux kernel. This relationship guarantees that access to the repositories and infrastructure support are provided consistently and uninterrupted. Since many of the developers contributing to the Linux kernel do so voluntarily, ensuring that the infrastructure is free and reliable is an essential step in maintaining the development and security of the operating system.
Alex Chircop, Principal Architect at Akamai Cloud, emphasized that “the Linux kernel is the foundation of our cloud platform. By supporting kernel.org, we are contributing to the preservation of essential open-source software for global infrastructure, which, in turn, benefits the tech community.”
Conclusion: A Promising Future for the Linux Kernel
The partnership between Akamai and Kernel.org is a significant milestone for the Linux Foundation and the open-source developer community. Akamai’s ongoing support not only ensures the stable and secure development of the Linux kernel but also reaffirms the tech industry’s commitment to open source. As more devices and services rely on the Linux kernel, it is vital that the infrastructure supporting it is robust, secure, and globally accessible.
This support solidifies the importance of collaborations between large tech companies and open-source initiatives and demonstrates how cloud infrastructure can play a crucial role in strengthening and expanding the open-source ecosystem.
Source: Akamai news