How to Contribute
Contribution Process Overview
To submit a contribution to the Open Compute Project, you will need to follow the following steps:
1. Decide where you want to contribute
First, browse the list of existing projects and identify an area where you would like to contribute.
2. Confirm alignment with project goals
Next, review the project's page to ensure your contribution aligns with project leadership.
3. Sign License Agreement
Sign the appropriate Contribution License Agreement for your type of contribution.
4. Present for Approval
Then, contact the project lead to present your proposal that outlines your contribution to our project groups and submit it for review by the project's team. If your submission is accepted, you can begin working on your contribution and collaborate with other contributors.
5. Submit to the Contribution Portal
Next, you must submit your completed contribution in the Contributor Portal for review by the Steering Committee and receive approval before it will be added to the Contribution Database. The Open Compute Project encourages open communication and collaboration throughout the process, so don't hesitate to ask for help or guidance.
For specific steps by contribution type, see below.
Contact rob.coyle@opencompute.org for questions or help with the contributions process.
Steps by Contribution Type
Please reference the specific steps needed depending on the type of contribution your organization is making.
Specifications
- Sign a Contribution License Agreement (CLA)
- Present to relevant Project Group(s)
- Write a specification using one of the following templates:
- 2023 OCP Specification All-in-One Template - to make a copy click here
- 2023 OCP Base Specification Template - to make a copy click here
- 2023 OCP Design Specification Template - to make a copy click here
- 2023 OCP Product Specification Template - to make a copy click here
- Address any feedback
- Upload to the Contribution Portal with the help of OCP staff and the Project Lead(s)
- Present to the OCP Steering Committee
- Sign the Final Specification Agreement (FSA)
- Publish on OCP Contribution Database
Design Files
- Sign a Contribution License Agreement (CLA)
- Present to relevant Project Group(s)
- Make sure you follow the Design Package Guidelines
- Address any feedback
- Upload to the Contribution Portal with the help of OCP staff and the Project Lead(s)
- Present to the OCP Steering Committee
- Sign the Final Specification Agreement (FSA)
- Publish on OCP Contribution Database
Software
- Sign a Software Contribution License Agreement (CLA)
- Present to relevant Project Group(s)
- Complete the OCP Software Contribution Checklist
- Address any feedback
- Upload to OCP Github with the help of OCP staff and the Project Lead(s). Repo will be private.
- Present to the Steering Committee.
- Repo is made public on OCP Github
Documents
- Determine licensing for your contribution (Copyright License Agreement or Creative Commons CC04 License). You can review these agreements here
- Present to relevant Project Group(s). Address any feedback.
- Finalize your document using the OCP Document Template and the OCP Document Submission Guidelines
- Upload to the Contribution Portal with the help of OCP staff and the Project Lead(s)
- Share with the Steering Committee for Review
- Publish on OCP Contribution Database
Product Recognition
- Follow directions for Product Recognition Program
- Publish on OCP Marketplace
For other contributions please contact contributors@opencompute.org for guidance.
OCP Accepted and OCP Inspired
Look for products that have an OCP Accepted or OCP Inspired icon.
Products that carry the OCP Accepted recognition comply 100% with an OCP approved specification and the design files are open sourced and available.
OCP Accepted or OCP Inspired products have been demonstrated and meet 3 or more of the OCP tenets-efficiency, openness, impact & scale. They can only be sold with warranty and support.
OCP Ready
The OCP Facility Recognition program is intended to brand your facilities to be OCP Ready. Guidelines were created by our Data Center Facility Project Team and serve as a reference for data center operators and tenants who want to understand the fundamental facility requirements to deploy this gear into their IT space. Facilities that meet these guidelines and approved by the OCP DC Facilities Project receive the certification as an OCP Ready facility.