In the beginning...

One of the most significant moments in the history of the modern software industry took place in 1998 when Netscape announced plans to release the source code of its browser under a license that would freely permit modification and redistribution. That pivotal event represents the point at which software freedom extended its reach beyond the enthusiast community and began its ascent into the mainstream.

The "Open Source" term was proposed by Christine Peterson at a strategy session held in Palo Alto on February 3rd, 1998—one month after Netscape's announcement. The people present included also Todd Anderson, John "maddog" Hall, Larry Augustin, Sam Ockman, Michael Tiemann, Eric Raymond.

Soon after the Open Source Initiative (OSI) was formed by Bruce Perens and Eric Raymond, with Raymand as president. The Board of Directors included Brian Behlendorf, Ian Murdock, Russ Nelson, and Chip Salzenberg.

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