The Docker-Sponsored Open Source Program has a new look!

It’s no secret that developers love open source software. About 70–90% of code is entirely made up of it! Plus, using open source has a ton of benefits like cost savings and scalability. But most importantly, it promotes faster innovation.

That’s why Docker announced our community program, the Docker-Sponsored Open Source (DSOS) Program, in 2020. While our mission and vision for the program haven’t changed (yes, we’re still committed to building a platform for collaboration and innovation!), some of the criteria and benefits have received a bit of a facelift.

We recently discussed these updates at our quarterly Community All-Hands, so check out that video if you haven’t yet. But since you’re already here, let’s give you a rundown of what’s new.

New criteria & benefits

Over the past two years, we’ve been working to incorporate all of the amazing community feedback we’ve received about the DSOS program. And we heard you! Not only have we updated the application process which will decrease the wait time for approval, but we’ve also added on some major benefits that will help improve the reach and visibility of your projects.

1. New application process — The new, streamlined application process lets you apply with a single click and provides status updates along the way
2. Updated funding criteria — You can now apply for the program even if your project is commercially funded! However, you must not currently have a pathway to commercialization (this is reevaluated yearly). Adjusting our qualification criteria opens the door for even more projects to join the 300+ we already have!
3. Insights & Analytics — Exclusive to DSOS members, you now have access to a plethora of data to help you better understand how your software is being used.
4. DSOS badge on Docker Hub — This makes it easier for your project to be discovered and build brand awareness.

What hasn’t changed

Despite all of these updates, we made sure to keep the popular program features you love. Docker knows the importance of open source as developers create new technologies and turn their innovations into a reality. That’s why there are no changes to the following program benefits:

• Free autobuilds — Docker will automatically build images from source code in your external repository and automatically push the build image to your Docker Hub Repository.
• Unlimited pulls and egress — This is for all users pulling public images from your project namespace.
• Free 1-year Docker Team subscription — This feature is for core contributors of your project namespace. This includes Docker Desktop, 15 concurrent builds, unlimited Docker Hub image vulnerability scans, unlimited scoped tokens, role-based access control, and audit logs.

We’ve also kept the majority of our qualification criteria the same (aside from what was mentioned above). To qualify for the program, your project namespace must:

• Be shared in public repos
• Meet the Open Source Initiative’s definition of open source 
• Be in active development (meaning image updates are pushed regularly within the past 6 months or dependencies are updated regularly, even if the project source code is stable)
• Not have a pathway to commercialization. Your organization must not seek to make a profit through services or by charging for higher tiers. Accepting donations to sustain your efforts is allowed.

Want to learn more about the program? Reach out to [email protected] with your questions! We look forward to hearing from you.