The OpenPOWER Foundation is a member-directed organization governed by a transparent structure that ensures all members have a voice in shaping the future of open computing.
The OpenPOWER Foundation operates under the Linux Foundation's proven governance model, adapted to meet the unique needs of the OpenPOWER community.
The Board of Directors is the governing body of the OpenPOWER Foundation. It sets strategic direction, approves budgets, and ensures the foundation fulfills its mission of enabling open hardware and software development on the POWER architecture.
The Technical Steering Committee (TSC) oversees technical direction, working group charters, and specification development. It ensures technical work aligns with OpenPOWER's open standards mission.
Working Groups are the operational heart of the OpenPOWER Foundation. Each working group focuses on a specific technical domain and produces open specifications, reference implementations, or other deliverables.
Board composition reflects the membership tiers and ensures diverse representation across the OpenPOWER ecosystem.
| Membership Tier | Board Seats | Voting Rights | Committee Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum | 1 appointed seat per member | Full board voting | All committees |
| Gold | Elected representative seats | Advisory board voting | All committees |
| Silver | Elected representative seats | TSC voting | Technical committees |
| Academic / Associate | Observer status | Working group voting | Working groups |
| Individual | No board seat | Working group participation | Working groups |
OpenPOWER Foundation governance documents are publicly available. All members are bound by the Membership Agreement and Charter.
The legal certificate establishing the OpenPOWER Foundation as an incorporated entity, filed with the relevant state authority.
View Certificate ↗Bylaws govern the internal procedures of the foundation, including elections, meeting procedures, and member rights and responsibilities.
View Bylaws ↗The Membership Agreement outlines the rights and obligations of all member organizations, including IP policy, dues structure, and participation requirements.
Join & Sign Agreement ↗The OpenPOWER Foundation IP Policy governs contributions to specifications and open source projects, ensuring outputs remain open and accessible.
View IP Policy ↗All participants in OpenPOWER Foundation activities are expected to uphold our community Code of Conduct, fostering an inclusive and respectful environment.
View Code of Conduct ↗OpenPOWER Foundation activities comply with Linux Foundation Antitrust Policy. Members must conduct activities consistent with applicable antitrust and competition laws.
View Antitrust Policy ↗Member organizations have a direct voice in foundation governance. Join OpenPOWER Foundation to participate in steering committees, working groups, and board elections.
Become a Member