Does Docker Need an Open Source Foundation? [VIDEO]

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The open source Docker container virtualization project got started in March of 2013 and has since grown to become one of the most talked about virtualization technologies in the industry.

Docker was started by Solomon Hykes, while Hykes was running a PaaS company known at the time as dotCloud. The dotCloud business has since been sold and Hykes is the CTO of Docker, Inc. which is the lead commercial sponsor behind Docker.

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In some cases with open source software, there is a push from the broader community for a vendor neutral foundation to help run the project. That’s not likely to be the case for Docker.

In a video interview, Hykes details his view on why a foundation for Docker isn’t in the cards.

“My primary function is to be the BDFL (Benevolent Dictator For Life) of the Docker project and we’re very much operating an open source project, by the Linux playbook,” Hykes said.

In the Linux model there are multiple maintainers for different sub-systems, with maintainers coming from a diverse set of companies. For open source Docker project, there is also the backing of Docker Inc.

“Docker’s primary job is to provide the infrastructure that this particular project needs,” Hykes said.

He added that the open source Docker project needs the for-profit Docker to run the infrastructure and provide a reliable service.

“A Foundation can be risky,” Hykes said. “The result can be that it really becomes a battleground for corporate interests.”

Watch the full video interview below:

Sean Michael Kerner is a senior editor at Datamation and InternetNews.com. Follow him on Twitter @TechJournalist