A Step Forward to Ensure the Sustainability of the Chromium Ecosystem and Foster the Development of Browsers Based on This Technology.
The Chromium project, launched by Google in 2008, has been a cornerstone in the evolution of web browsers and web-based applications. Today, Chromium is utilized in a wide range of projects, from popular browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera, to advanced control systems like Bloomberg terminals or SpaceX’s spacecraft. To strengthen its sustainability and expand its impact, Google has announced its partnership with the Linux Foundation to create the Supporters of Chromium-Based Browsers initiative.
An Essential Ecosystem for the Modern Web
Chromium has established itself as the technological foundation for the majority of modern browsers, representing an open platform that promotes interoperability and innovation. According to recent data, Google contributed over 100,000 commits to the project in 2024, accounting for approximately 94% of total contributions. These figures reflect the magnitude of Google’s commitment to the development of Chromium, while also highlighting the need for increased participation from other players in the ecosystem.
Shruthi Sreekanta, a spokesperson for Google, emphasized:
“While we have no intention of reducing our investment in Chromium, we continue to welcome other companies that want to engage more actively in the development and maintenance of this critical project.”
The Role of the Linux Foundation
The new initiative will be managed by the Linux Foundation, known for its success in overseeing high-impact open-source projects such as KubernetesKubernetes (commonly referred to in English as “K8s”) … and Node.js. Under the foundation’s open governance model, Supporters of Chromium-Based Browsers aims to create a sustainable contribution environment for the Chromium ecosystem. This includes funding critical infrastructure, supporting developers wanting to contribute to the project, and promoting technological advancements within the community.
Jim Zemlin, Executive Director of the Linux Foundation, stated:
“We are excited to work with Google and other partners to ensure that Chromium remains a solid foundation for innovation on the web. This effort not only fosters the sustainability of the project but also strengthens collaboration among key industry players.”
Support from Industry Leaders
The initiative has early backing from companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Opera, which have recognized the importance of Chromium for the development of their own products and services.
- Microsoft, through Meghan Perez, Vice President of Edge, emphasized, “This collaboration reinforces our commitment to the web platform and enables greater innovation for the benefit of all users.”
- Opera, represented by Krystian Kolondra, added, “Chromium has been key to delivering unique experiences. We are committed to working together to strengthen this ecosystem.”
A Focus on Sustainability
The project also addresses a crucial issue: the financial sustainability of open-source. Google invests hundreds of millions of dollars annually in Chromium’s infrastructure, from servers for automated testing to fixing hundreds of daily bugs and maintaining the codebase. With Supporters of Chromium-Based Browsers, the goal is to distribute this burden and allow for broader collaboration to maintain the project’s health.
The Future of the Chromium Ecosystem
The launch of this initiative represents a milestone in the history of Chromium, a project that has evolved significantly since its inception in 2008. The collaboration between Google, the Linux Foundation, and other stakeholders in the ecosystem will not only ensure the sustainability of the project, but also lay the groundwork for the next generation of browsers and web applications.
This initiative is an open call to the entire tech community: the modern web depends on projects like Chromium, and its success requires the collective effort of developers, companies, and users.
For more information, visit linuxfoundation.org and chromium.org.
via: Chromium News