The Apache Software Foundation (ASF) has announced significant achievements in its annual report for fiscal year 2025, highlighting the foundation’s expanding influence in the realm of digital infrastructure and global software policy. The report emphasizes that open source software has evolved into a critical component of modern technology, serving as the “backbone of global digital infrastructure,” according to ASF President Ruth Suehle.
Open Source as a Pillar of Digital Infrastructure
Suehle stated that the ASF remains dedicated to investing in scalable infrastructure and modern tools that support a diverse community essential for the open source ecosystem. This commitment reflects a broader recognition of open source software’s vital role in contemporary technology.
The foundation has actively engaged in shaping legislative frameworks within the European Union, contributing to important initiatives such as the Cyber Resilience Act, the Product Liability Directive, and the AI Act. By participating in the Open Regulatory Compliance Working Group alongside over 25 organizations, the ASF has worked to establish global standards aimed at enhancing secure software development.
Enhancements in Developer Tools and Security
In an effort to bolster its internal operations, the ASF introduced a new Vice President of Tooling position and launched the Tooling Initiatives fundraising model. These initiatives aim to support strategic upgrades to developer tools, improve project security, and ensure compliance with international regulations, including the EU’s CRA and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) guidance.
The ASF also celebrated notable growth within its projects. During the fiscal year, five projects—Apache Answer, Apache DataFusion, Apache SDAP, Apache StreamPark, and Apache Uniffle—graduated to top-level status. Additionally, nine new projects, including Apache Grails, Apache OpenServerless, and Apache Texera, entered the incubator, while nine legacy projects were retired to the Attic.
To enhance transparency and strengthen connections within the ASF ecosystem, a new newsletter titled Plus One was launched, reflecting the foundation’s long-held principle of “community over code.”
The fiscal year 2025 saw impressive numbers for the ASF: 1,147 members contributed to the foundation’s initiatives, with 9,905 committers active across 295 projects. The ASF issued 1,310 software releases and supported 208 committees. Moreover, 65 corporate sponsors have backed innovation, and 32 incubating projects are currently in development. Notably, 1,670 attendees from 21 countries participated in the Community Over Code events.
As the ASF prepares for the transition to emerging global standards and heightened cybersecurity demands, Suehle underscored the resilience of its decentralized, community-first model. With a global membership and nearly 10,000 active committers, the ASF continues to be pivotal in ensuring that open source drives technological progress for the public good.
