In the month of September, the Apache Software Foundation (ASF) marked a period of exciting developments and significant milestones. Among the highlights was the successful execution of the Community Over Code event in North America, which drew participants from around the globe. The event was characterized by a welcoming atmosphere, especially for those attending an ASF conference for the first time. Another noteworthy development was the introduction of a new logo for the ASF, symbolizing growth and resilience. Furthermore, Apache Fory was elevated to a Top-Level Project status, while two other projects were concluded and moved to the Apache Attic. This article delves into these updates and provides insights into the broader activities and news within the ASF community.
### Community Over Code: A Resounding Success
The Community Over Code conference took place over four days in Minneapolis and was attended by individuals from 21 countries and 29 U.S. states. This event saw a remarkable increase in attendance, up by more than six percent compared to the previous year. The conference offered 163 sessions, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and networking. In addition to the sessions, attendees participated in various social activities, such as the opening reception at the Mill City Museum, a Trivia Night, and the highly popular Games Night organized by the Infra team. The success of the event was largely attributed to the support from sponsors, the diligent efforts of track chairs, TAC volunteers, and the conference organizers. The positive feedback received from participants highlights the event’s success and its impact on the community.
### Plus One Podcast: A Platform for Discussion
The Plus One Podcast has become a significant platform for discussions related to the ASF and its community. The podcast provides a space for experts and enthusiasts to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities within the open-source ecosystem. As the ASF continues to grow and evolve, the podcast serves as a valuable resource for staying informed about the foundation’s activities and initiatives.
### Project Updates: Celebrating Milestones and Transitions
One of the key project updates from September was the elevation of Apache Fory to the status of a Top-Level Project. This recognition underscores the project’s maturity and its importance within the ASF community. Apache Fory’s advancement reflects the collaborative efforts of its contributors and the support it has garnered from the broader open-source community.
In contrast, two other projects, Apache Griffin and Apache Portals, were retired and moved to the Apache Attic. The Apache Attic serves as a repository for projects that are no longer actively maintained. This transition allows for the proper archival of these projects, ensuring that their contributions to the open-source community are preserved while making room for new initiatives.
### Foundation News: A New Logo for a New Era
The ASF introduced a new logo, featuring an oak leaf, which symbolizes resilience, stewardship, and collective strength. The oak leaf represents the foundation’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive open-source ecosystem. The new logo and accompanying brand guidelines reflect the ASF’s vision for the future and its dedication to supporting a diverse and vibrant community.
For those interested in learning more about the new logo and the thought process behind it, the ASF has published a detailed blog post. This blog provides insights into the design choices and the values that the logo embodies.
### In the News: ASF’s Continued Impact
The ASF’s activities and updates have garnered attention in various news outlets, highlighting the foundation’s ongoing impact on the open-source community. As a leader in promoting open-source collaboration and innovation, the ASF continues to influence a wide range of industries and sectors. The foundation’s commitment to transparency and open communication ensures that its activities are well-documented and accessible to the public.
### President’s Letter: Reflections and Future Directions
Ruth Suehle, the President of the ASF, shared her reflections on the Community Over Code event and the unveiling of the new logo. She noted the overwhelming positive feedback from attendees, many of whom were attending their first ASF conference. The welcoming atmosphere and sense of community were recurring themes in the feedback received.
Suehle also discussed the significance of the new logo, emphasizing its alignment with the ASF’s core values. The oak leaf symbolizes the enduring strength and growth of the foundation, much like the oak tree itself. This new emblem represents the ASF’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for open-source collaboration.
Looking ahead, Suehle highlighted the importance of building relationships within the broader open-source ecosystem. She attended the Open Source Congress, where leaders from various foundations and stakeholders convened to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the open-source community. These collaborative efforts are crucial for addressing the evolving needs of the ecosystem and ensuring its continued growth and success.
### Upcoming Events: Engaging with the Community
The ASF has several events lined up for the coming months, offering opportunities for community engagement and knowledge sharing. The Airflow Summit, scheduled to take place in Seattle, Washington, from October 7-9, 2025, will bring together users and developers of Apache Airflow to discuss the latest advancements and best practices.
Following the Airflow Summit, the Flink Forward conference will be held in Barcelona, Spain, from October 13-16, 2025. This event will focus on Apache Flink and its applications in stream processing and data-driven solutions.
Additionally, the NuttX International Workshop is set to take place in San José, Costa Rica, from October 16-17, 2025. This workshop will provide a platform for developers and users of the Apache NuttX operating system to collaborate and share insights.
### Participate and Connect: Getting Involved with the ASF
The ASF encourages individuals to participate in its events, contribute to its projects, and engage with the community. Whether you are a seasoned developer or new to open-source, there are numerous opportunities to get involved and make a meaningful impact. The ASF’s website provides information on how to participate in its activities and connect with fellow community members.
### Thank You to Our Sponsors
The ASF extends its gratitude to the sponsors who support its events and initiatives. Their contributions play a vital role in enabling the foundation to organize successful events, maintain its projects, and foster a thriving open-source community.
### Subscribe for Updates
To stay informed about the latest news and updates from the ASF, individuals are encouraged to subscribe to the foundation’s newsletter. By entering your email address, you can receive timely updates and insights directly in your inbox.
In conclusion, September was a month of significant achievements and developments for the ASF. From the successful Community Over Code event to the introduction of a new logo, the foundation continues to make strides in promoting open-source collaboration and innovation. As the ASF looks to the future, it remains committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for its diverse community of contributors and enthusiasts.
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