About

SK Telecom’s Open Source Governance

SK Telecom has established a world-class open source management system. To maximize the technical benefits of open source while effectively managing risks related to licenses, security, and intellectual property, SK Telecom operates a systematic governance structure with two pillars: OSRB (decision-making organization) and OSPO (operations organization).

This governance approach transcends mere regulatory compliance and instead pursues a balanced approach where developers can freely utilize open source while the company manages its risks effectively. Through clear policies, transparent processes, and professional support, SK Telecom fosters a symbiotic relationship between corporate development culture and the global open source community.

OSRB (Open Source Review Board)

OSRB (Open Source Review Board) is the highest decision-making body in SK Telecom’s open source governance. Comprising leaders from the technology, legal, infrastructure, and security divisions, OSRB establishes corporate open source policies and makes critical risk-related decisions.

OSRB convenes monthly to review monthly open source compliance status and holds quarterly strategic meetings to discuss mid-to-long-term open source policy directions. When necessary, emergency meetings are called to promptly address security issues, legal disputes, and policy violations.

Learn more about OSRB →

OSPO (Open Source Program Office)

OSPO (Open Source Program Office) is the dedicated organization responsible for executing SK Telecom’s open source policies and supporting developers. While OSRB handles decision-making, OSPO operationalizes those policies, collaborates with development teams, and provides necessary guidance and support.

OSPO serves as a bridge between developers and the legal team, swiftly resolving various open source-related issues that arise during development. Additionally, OSPO establishes and executes corporate open source strategies while building and maintaining relationships with the global open source community.

Learn more about OSPO →

Characteristics of SK Telecom’s Open Source Governance

Transparency and Consistency

SK Telecom’s open source governance is founded on transparent policies and consistent processes. Every open source adoption, contribution, and release decision follows clear criteria and processes, with all decisions and their rationales documented. This ensures developers understand what is and isn’t possible and why.

Developer-Centric Support

The ultimate goal of governance is to support developers. OSPO provides guidance enabling developers to freely leverage open source, conducts prior reviews to prevent legal issues, and offers necessary training and consultation. Through this support, developers can maximize open source value while managing company risks.

International Standards Compliance

SK Telecom’s governance is built on the OpenChain international standard. This means following international best practices in open source compliance, officially certified through ISO/IEC 5230 certification. This standards compliance enhances internal trust and facilitates cooperation with global business partners.

Continuous Improvement

SK Telecom operates its open source governance not as a static system but as a continuously improving process. Policies are refined, processes streamlined, and automation tools developed based on developer feedback, community evolution, and technological advances. Through this approach, SK Telecom’s open source management capability continuously improves.

ISO/IEC 5230 (OpenChain) Certification Achievement

SK Telecom obtained ISO/IEC 5230, the OpenChain international standard by Linux Foundation, in 2021. This certification signifies:

• Establishment of clear open source policies
• Definition of systematic review and approval processes
• Continuous developer training and capability enhancement
• Transparent documentation and tracking of all decisions and activities

Through this systematic governance, SK Telecom strengthens internal confidence, enhances collaboration with the global community, and effectively manages legal risks.

Contact and Collaboration

Open Source Inquiries

All open source-related inquiries regarding SK Telecom’s products and services can be directed to OSPO:

Email: opensource@sktelecom.com

Depending on your inquiry:

• Open Source Adoption: External open source license review, security assessment, compliance verification
• Open Source Contribution: CLA/DCO review, legal risk assessment, contribution approval
• Open Source Release: Project evaluation, license selection, release preparation support
• Policy Consultation: Open source policy, guidance, and process-related consultation
• Technical Support: Automation tool usage, compliance management, and other technical support

OSPO responds within 2-3 business days.

Collaboration via GitHub

All of SK Telecom’s open source projects are managed through our GitHub Organization:

GitHub Organization: https://github.com/sktelecom

You can collaborate with us through GitHub in the following ways:

• Issues: Report bugs, request features, ask questions
• Discussions: Community discussions and idea sharing
• Pull Requests: Contribute code and suggest improvements
• Releases: Check latest versions and download

Related Pages

Governance Details

• OSRB (Open Source Review Board): Detailed explanation of decision-making organization structure, roles, and activities
• OSPO (Open Source Program Office): Operational organization roles, provided guidance, and tools introduction
• Contact: Various contact methods and information before inquiring

Developer Guides

• Open Source Usage Guide: External open source adoption procedures
• Open Source Contribution Guide: External project contribution procedures
• Open Source Release Guide: Internal code open sourcing procedures

External Standards and Communities

• OpenChain Project: Open source compliance international standard
• Linux Foundation: Central institution of the open source ecosystem

SK Telecom’s Open Source Vision

SK Telecom recognizes open source not merely as a development tool, but as a core value for corporate innovation and social contribution. We provide an environment where developers can freely participate and contribute to the global open source community, while simultaneously operating a balanced governance that effectively manages corporate risks.

Through this approach, SK Telecom accelerates technological innovation, strengthens collaboration with the global community, and ultimately pursues societal advancement through open source and sustainable corporate growth.