cncf
Update sandbox readme to advise operator projects
As discussed in the TOC meeting on Feb 18th 2025, the Sandbox readme needs updated to reflect with the following guidance:
(incorporating feedback from @jberkus )
Projects which are primarily Operators enabling another open source project to be Cloud Native should first contact that project about joining it as a subproject. If that isn't possible, consider alternative foundations for membership as well, such as CommonHaus, SPI, or language based foundations such as Rust Foundation.
I'm confused by this guidance, for two reasons:
- The CNCF already includes several operators as independent projects. The TOC approved one just last month.
- CommonHaus is primarily a Java foundation
I'm confused by this guidance, for two reasons:
- The CNCF already includes several operators as independent projects. The TOC approved one just last month.
- CommonHaus is primarily a Java foundation
hi @jberkus - CommonHaus has Java projects, however, is set up as a Foundation for any open source project. For example, it has approved inclusion of SlateDB, a cloud native project.
We should only be advising operator projects in general to join another foundation if we're doing it with the express invitation of that foundation. It's just polite.
And my other question remains. We have at least a dozen operator projects, probably more. CloudNativePG, an operator, was approved just last month. We even have graduated operator projects. Are we kicking these out?
And my other question remains. We have at least a dozen operator projects, probably more. CloudNativePG, an operator, was approved just last month. We even have graduated operator projects. Are we kicking these out?
Thanks for your concern, @jberkus ! Guidance from the TOC would not be retroactive and projects would not be kicked out. This guidance is for future projects that are looking to apply to CNCF Sandbox. The TOC discussed operators as this topic continues to be brought up as there isn't specific guidance. This update to the Sandbox readme is to provide that clarification from the TOC.
We should only be advising operator projects in general to join another foundation if we're doing it with the express invitation of that foundation. It's just polite.
Thanks @jberkus - updated the intended verbiage/outcome. Suggest a foundation similar to CommonHaus.org - other foundations can be added to the sandbox readme PR
Suggestion for more explicit language then:
Projects which are primarily Operators enabling another open source project to be Cloud Native should first contact that project about joining it as a subproject. If that isn't possible, consider alternative foundations for membership as well, such as CommonHaus, SPI, or language based foundations such as Rust Foundation.
Does that capture the intent?
Yes it does Josh thank you for taking the time to write this up for us!
updated the issue description to be specific with Josh's input. Just needs PR'd
