Towards the end of 2024, we hosted the inaugural SOSS Community Day India, and we’re thrilled to share that it was a resounding success! This remarkable event brought together some of the most active open source contributors in the industry for a day filled with sharing, learning, and collaboration
What made this gathering truly special was being co-located with KubeCon + CloudNativeCon India 2024. As you can imagine, it was a tech enthusiast’s paradise, with attendees from diverse experiences coming together to explore the latest trends and innovations in open source technology.
With over 350 registrations (and a waiting list, no less!), we saw a truly varied set of personas join us for this unforgettable experience. Engineers, legal professionals, CXOs, and students all came together to share their expertise, showcase their projects, and learn from one another.
Attendees were treated to technical deep-dives, policy discussions, end-user stories, and hands-on demos on various topics related to open source software. It was wonderful to note that a lot of these covered OpenSSF projects. The vibe was electric, with attendees networking, sharing ideas, and sparking new collaborations. We had experts from some of India’s top tech companies, academia, and startups all gathered under one roof to share their knowledge and passion for helping secure something that was dear to them all – open source technology.
From security tools and defense techniques to mechanisms for preserving system integrity, the agenda was carefully crafted to provide attendees with practical insights and actionable advice. One of the standout aspects of the event was its focus on emerging trends in open source security, including attestation and provenance – two areas that are gaining increasing importance as concerns around data integrity and trust continue to grow.
But that wasn’t all – the event also offered a glimpse into the future by exploring post-quantum cryptographic protection. As we move further away from traditional encryption methods in light of advancements in quantum computing, it’s crucial that developers and security professionals stay ahead of the curve when it comes to protecting sensitive data.
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to engage with speakers who were experts in their respective fields, asking questions and seeking clarification on complex topics. The event was a testament to the power of open source collaboration and the importance of sharing knowledge and expertise in driving innovation forward.
The OpenSSF made an important announcement on the same day. Two industry giants joined the ranks of its esteemed members. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Guidewire Software, Inc. had officially pledged their support to the organization, solidifying their commitment to promoting secure open source software.
With these new additions, the OpenSSF now boasts an impressive 126 member organizations that recognize the importance of backing, maintaining, and promoting secure open source software. This influx of support comes at a crucial time, as the world continues to rely more heavily on open source technology.
The OpenSSF’s charter is clear: to create a safer, more trustworthy digital landscape through collaboration and shared expertise.
The OpenSSF is gearing up for a big push into the new year, aiming to bring more contributors into its community and make a meaningful impact in several key areas. The foundation’s focus will be on technical innovation, including tooling and techniques, as well as shaping technology policy that supports the open source ecosystem including India.
To achieve this ambitious goal, the OpenSSF is planning a range of events throughout the year. First up is a day-long event hosted by the Foundation itself, which promises to be a major gathering of like-minded individuals passionate about securing open source software. But that’s not all – the community also has plans for several distributed events taking place over the course of the year, in collaboration with other communities and organizations.
These events will provide a platform for experts and enthusiasts alike to share knowledge, best practices, and ideas on how to strengthen the security of open source software. Whether you’re an industry expert or just starting out, there’s sure to be something for everyone at these events.
The OpenSSF is also extending an invitation to anyone interested in supporting its mission to secure open source software. Whether it’s through volunteering your time, sharing your expertise, or simply staying informed about the foundation’s efforts, every contribution counts. With its sights set on making a real difference in the world of open source security, the OpenSSF is poised for a big year ahead.
All in all, SOSS Community Day India 2024 was an outstanding event that set a high bar for future editions. Relive the day with our videos and photos from the event. If you missed it this year, mark your calendars for next time – it’s definitely an experience not to be missed!