#USA #Denver #Linux Foundation #Joint Development Foundation #OpenSTX Foundation

Celebrating a Decade of Open Standards Innovation

On June 23, 2025, the Joint Development Foundation (JDF), which is a prominent member of the Linux Foundation family, proudly commemorated ten years of impactful contributions to the realm of open standards, open-source projects, and accessible data initiatives. This milestone was celebrated during the Open Source Summit North America, emphasizing JDF's growth and commitment to creating a conducive environment for collaborative standards.

Over its ten-year journey, the JDF has remarkably shifted the landscape of collaboration by making it easier for various organizations to engage in developing open standards. With a membership that has now surpassed 500 organizations and 3,500 participants globally, the JDF has established itself as a pivotal entity in enhancing interoperability and fostering a vendor-neutral framework for development. This model has evolved to accommodate the rapid technological progress and the increasing necessity for open communication standards in our interconnected world.

To commemorate its anniversary, JDF announced several significant achievements, including:
1. Launch of the OpenSTX Foundation: This new initiative represents the JDF's 36th collaboration aimed at setting standards for a next-generation wireless protocol used in industrial applications.
2. Revamped Membership Agreement: The new agreement introduces greater flexibility and diverse choices for contributors engaging in standards projects.
3. Publication of the 3MF Specification as an International Standard: This achievement marks the JDF's sixth successful standard recognized by ISO/IEC, showcasing its dedication to enhancing standards essential for technological innovation.
4. Release of the Second Edition of the State of Open Standards Report: This document provides invaluable insights into the impact of open standards on contemporary technology.

The JDF has been instrumental in revitalizing how standards are developed. Traditional methodologies can sometimes hinder fast-paced sectors where delivering functional products is prioritized. The JDF has fostered an open and transparent framework that alleviates these barriers, expediting the process of standards creation. By leveraging pre-negotiated templates and structured frameworks, organizations can swiftly initiate standards and interoperability projects while minimizing legal and procedural complexities. This not only empowers them to focus on innovation but also ensures compliance with intellectual property and antitrust regulations.

Jory Burson, Vice President of Standards at the Linux Foundation, stated, “The Joint Development Foundation is unique as it stands out as the only organization specifically designed to harmonize the efforts of standardization and open-source collaboration. Our model has proven to be essential, demonstrating that agile standards development is both feasible and necessary.”

A diverse array of enterprises, from emerging startups to industry giants, have sought the JDF's assistance to confront shared issues related to interoperability, file standards, data exchanges, and compliance with existing frameworks. Each organization utilizes JDF's standardization efforts not only to enhance their operations but also to adhere to industry best practices. In the coming years, the JDF intends to persist in its mission to furnish all organizations with the means necessary to collaborate effectively and establish robust standards.

Jim Zemlin, Executive Director of the Linux Foundation, remarked on the intersection of open-source and standards development, highlighting how the JDF has championed this integration over the past decade. He added, “When open communities unite under a clear and neutral framework, the potential for innovation expands exponentially, resulting in technologies that can revolutionize entire industries.”

The Joint Development Foundation extends an invitation to all organizations looking to initiate or grow their standards efforts to consider joining its dynamic ecosystem. For further information regarding involvement and opportunities within the JDF, interested parties can visit jointdevelopment.org.

Supporting Perspectives

Numerous industry leaders have underscored the significance of JDF's contributions:

• - Duann Scott of the 3MF Consortium highlighted the importance of the ISO recognition, calling it a monumental advancement for the future sustainability of interoperability in additive manufacturing.
• - David Rudin from Microsoft emphasized the efficiency brought about by JDF’s operational structures which facilitate rapid project initiation.
• - Ann Woodliff from the JDF Advisory Council noted how the adaptable governance enhances project requirements while ensuring legal security for enterprises.
• - Michael Baddeley, Chairperson of the OpenSTX Foundation, praised JDF for providing the essential framework required for both technical collaboration and inclusivity.

About the Joint Development Foundation

JDF continues to pioneer innovative approaches in developing standards and specifications within technical and legal frameworks that foster collaboration. Its ongoing endeavors in this field remain integral for both advancing and sustaining future technological innovations across various sectors. Further information regarding the JDF can be found at their official website: jointdevelopment.org.