In a significant step towards modernizing its brand identity, The Apache Software Foundation (ASF) has introduced a new corporate logo that aligns with its core philosophy of valuing community over code. This transformation underscores the organization’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment that has supported the development of open-source software for over two decades.
The newly unveiled logo prominently features an oak leaf, a design choice that holds symbolic meaning for the organization. The oak leaf represents strength, endurance, and resilience—qualities that mirror the foundation’s long-standing ethos. Just as oak trees stand tall through centuries, providing support and shelter to diverse ecosystems, The ASF has been a steadfast guardian of open-source projects, nurturing an environment where innovation can thrive.
Why the Oak Leaf?
The choice of an oak leaf for the new logo is deeply rooted in The ASF’s history and mission. In the 1990s, a small group of visionaries planted the seeds of what would become an expansive forest of open-source projects under The ASF’s umbrella. Much like how oak trees form a vital part of a forest’s canopy, maintaining ecological diversity and resilience, The ASF has created a network of open-source projects that sustain and nurture the technological ecosystem.
Oak trees are renowned for their longevity and slow, steady growth, supporting diverse life forms and ecosystems for centuries. This mirrors The ASF’s role as a stable, resilient steward of open-source software, committed to sustainability and the long-term growth of its projects. The oak leaf symbolizes the enduring power of The ASF’s guiding principle: prioritizing community over mere code development.
Reflecting ASF Values
The new logo is not just a visual update; it is a reflection of the core values that have guided The ASF since its inception:
- Endurance and Resilience: Like the oak, The ASF is committed to the sustainability and longevity of its projects, ensuring they serve the public good for generations.
- Empowerment and Community: The oak’s expansive canopy represents how ASF communities evolve from small beginnings into inclusive, self-governing ecosystems. It emphasizes the foundation’s role in empowering individuals to collaborate and build enduring solutions together.
- Stewardship and Trust: Oaks are foundational species that support entire ecosystems, akin to how The ASF provides a stable platform for open-source to flourish. For more than 25 years, developers worldwide have trusted The ASF to manage software that is critical to global infrastructure.
- Neutrality and Openness: The unique pattern of an oak leaf’s veins symbolizes distributed systems, consensus, and open collaboration—key elements of The Apache Way. The new logo reinforces The ASF’s commitment to neutrality, inclusivity, and openness for all contributors.
The Process of Redesign
The journey to the new logo was a collective effort involving the entire ASF community. Over the past year, several steps were taken to ensure the logo truly represented the foundation’s values and history:
- The ASF Board established a Logo Project Management Committee (PMC) composed of ASF Members to oversee the logo creation and selection process, mirroring how ASF software projects are managed.
- ASF Members contributed ideas and designs that emphasized inclusivity, neutrality, and timelessness, adhering to established guidelines.
- Design partners collaborated with the PMC and the ASF’s Marketing & Publicity team to refine the visual identity, creating a logo that respects the organization’s history while looking toward the future.
Maintaining continuity with The ASF’s history, the color palette of the new logo remains similar to the existing brand. This decision ensures recognition by those familiar with The ASF while allowing for updates that better suit contemporary uses of the logo.
Looking Forward
The introduction of the oak leaf logo marks a new chapter for The ASF, encapsulating the foundation’s enduring commitment to community and collaboration. The logo serves as a reminder that the community is the bedrock upon which all ASF projects are built and sustained.
FAQs
Will the full name "The Apache Software Foundation" still be used?
Yes, The Apache Software Foundation will continue to operate under its full legal name. However, the acronym "The ASF" will also be used across websites, documentation, and public-facing materials. This change aims to enhance clarity, simplicity, and consistency in how the global community interacts with the foundation.
Is there any plan to remove the term "Apache" from project names or the foundation?
No, The ASF will retain the term "Apache" in both the foundation name and project names. The continuity of project names is crucial for maintaining security and stability within the software ecosystem.
Why not change the foundation’s name entirely if there are sensitivities around "Apache"?
Changing a name that has been long-established and widely recognized would have extensive implications, particularly on the security of the global software supply chain. The ASF acknowledges that language and symbols carry weight and is actively aligning its brand with its values by reassessing the use of "Apache" in visual branding.
When should the ASF logo be used versus the full Apache Software Foundation logo?
Both logos are valid; however, the ASF logo—featuring just the acronym—is suitable for general and project-related contexts. The full foundation name will be used for legal and institutional purposes, such as tax documents and official notices.
How does this impact ASF software contributors and users?
The branding update does not affect how contributors engage with ASF software. The Apache license, governance model, and project operations remain unchanged.
How will this impact those using the ASF logo on their websites or materials?
Starting September 11, 2025, public use of ASF logos must adhere to the new brand guidelines. Updated logos and usage guidance are available on the ASF Brand Guidelines page.
What if an ASF project logo includes Indigenous imagery?
Projects with logos featuring Indigenous motifs should coordinate with ASF Marketing & Publicity to update their visual identity. The foundation offers design support to align project branding with ASF community values.
For more information on the branding evolution and community guidance, please visit the ASF’s official news page: Evolving the ASF Brand.
This transition to a new logo is more than just a rebranding exercise; it is a reaffirmation of The ASF’s commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive community that continues to innovate and support the global open-source ecosystem.
For more Information, Refer to this article.
