Open Source Governance
Open source software enables enterprises to reduce costs and accelerate innovation, but it also comes with potential risks due to the complexities of open source licenses and the ease with which developers can download open source. Just like any software solution, open source software requires enterprises to apply policies, approvals, and controls around its deployment. To avoid potential legal action, it is critical that companies understand and comply with the licenses for the open source software that they use.
OpenLogic's open source governance solutions give enterprises the ability to manage and mitigate potential risks without creating unnecessary barriers to adoption. OpenLogic's open source governance solutions are centered around OpenLogic Exchange (OLEX), which integrates the OpenLogic library open source software with open source policy enforcement, online approval processes, and scanning and auditing capabilities. In addition, the Open Source License Compliance module enables enterprises to further extend OLEX with source code scanning tools and reporting on open source license obligations.
OpenLogic also offers consulting services for open source governance, including open source policy workshops, open source inventory and audit services, and License Obligation Analysis reports.
Scanning and Auditing Open Source Usage
Many companies are unaware of the full extent of open source usage, including open source in their production environments. OpenLogic's open source governance solutions enable you to inventory and audit the open source in your enterprise, providing a complete picture of open source usage. And by understanding the open source software in use, you can:
Develop support and maintenance plans
Comply with open source licenses and internal policies
Measure and communicate the benefits of open source software
Find opportunities to leverage more open source software
Open source governance starts with OpenLogic Exchange (OLEX), which provides a complete audit trail of all open source downloads and approvals. OLEX is complemented by the OSS Discovery and OSS Deep Discovery scanning tools, which enable you to establish an inventory of current open source usage and help ensure open source license compliance.
Enforce Open Source Policies and Approvals
The proliferation of open source software presents multiple management, compliance and legal challenges. In order to safely leverage open source technologies, enterprises need ways to easily enforce open source policies without stifling open source adoption or IT productivity. OLEX Enterprise Edition provides a low-barrier way for enterprise developers to access certified open source that meets your corporate guidelines and online approval processes that automate and streamline any necessary reviews.
OpenLogic also offers policy workshops that help you establish or refine your open source policies based on industry best practices.
Comply with Open Source Licenses
Although open source software is freely downloadable, it still comes under the terms of a license that details your legal obligations when you use the software. Open source licensing can be complex and confusing, but complying with these licenses is a critical part of your open source governance strategy.
OpenLogic's License Obligation Analysis service allows enterprises to safely and securely use open source software by providing clear and concise reports that detail the license obligations associated with any open source software package and include an easy-to-understand cookbook on how to comply. It provides the license information necessary to make decisions about deployments and distribution and to understand the risks and obligations associated with those licenses.
