Facebook becomes a top-tier Linux Foundation member

Facebook has reaffirmed its commitment to open source by joining the Linux Foundation at its highest level.

The company has been a long-standing member of the non-profit technology consortium, but has upgraded to a top-tier Platinum membership, joining the likes of Google, IBM and Microsoft.

With Facebook signing up as a Platinum member, Kathy Kam, head of open source at the company, gets a seat on the Linux Foundation’s board. Kam has 20 years of experience in open source software, and previously worked for Google and Microsoft.

“The Linux Foundation has and continues to play a crucial role in the continued success of not only Linux but also in broader open-source ecosystems as well,” Kam said in a statement. “We hope that this sponsorship will further the goal of keeping Linux and all of open source thriving for years to come.”

Facebook is one of the best-known contributors to the world of open source software. The company contributes to projects such as the React JavaScript library, the Open Compute Project, and Data for Good, a programme that enables geographic data to be shared with the aim of addressing some of the humanitarian issues including COVID-19.

Facebook also leads the development of open source projects such as GraphQL, Osquery, ONNX and Presto.

The Linux Foundation said Facebook’s sponsorship of open innovation will help support an estimated $16 billion (£12.2 billion) in development costs of the world’s 100+ leading open source projects.

"From its efforts to reshape computing through open source to its aggressive push to increase internet connectivity around the world, Facebook is a leader in open innovation," the non-profit said in a blog post.

"Perhaps more important today than ever, Facebook’s focus on democratizing access to technology enhances opportunity and scale for individuals and businesses alike. That’s why we’re so excited to announce the company is joining the Linux Foundation at the highest level."