osadl/ubuntu-docker-base-image repository overview

⁠README

Containers simplify deploying an application with all its dependencies while avoiding compatibility issues with other components of the target system. On the downside, fulfilling FOSS license obligations is more difficult for containers due to their layered structure and the lack of compliance material in public repositories.

Although every container is customized for its particular use and therefore comprises different software components, many are built on a so-called “base image” that provides essential system components. While license obligations for customized layers must be fulfilled individually by the distributor of the container, it seems obvious to apply the Open Source principle of sharing development of non-differentiating technologies and services to license obligations of container base images. Therefore, OSADL offers a container base image that is provided together with all required legal information and material needed to distribute it compliantly. In addition, instructions on how the image was created and how it can be updated are included. A company may build their individual container images on top of the OSADL base image and use the provided instructions to fulfill license obligations for the additional software to achieve license compliant container distribution.

For now, the OSADL Docker Base Image is available as a Debian-based⁠ (slim), a Ubuntu-based⁠ (minimal) and an Alpine-based⁠ Docker image for various architectures. The Debian base image is additionally available as an extended variant that includes ca-certificates and openssl. In the future, further variants may be available. In addition, the image is available in two versions:

1. For immediate source code delivery:

   All sources are included in the image. In addition, a note with legal information and rebuild instructions is included and displayed when starting the container interactively. This is the image that is available here as all the required compliance material is contained within.
   osadl/debian-docker-base-image:[codename]-[arch]-date
   osadl/ubuntu-docker-base-image:[codename]-[arch]-date
   osadl/alpine-docker-base-image:[version]-[arch]-date

2. Binary-only image for delayed source code delivery with a written offer:

   Binary-only delivery with extracted compliance material. In addition, the source packages including rebuild instructions for later delivery are available (ca. 250 MB). This version of the OSADL Docker Base Image is only available from OSADL directly osadl.org/base-image⁠ as it is accompanied by separate documents required for license compliance.

⁠Disclaimer

Although the material for the OSADL Docker Base Image has been compiled with the utmost diligence and care, the authors do not warrant nor can be held liable in any way for its correctness, usefulness, merchantibility or fitness for a particular purpose as far as permissible by applicable law. Anyone who uses the information does this on his or her sole responsibility. For any individual legal advice, it is recommended to contact a lawyer.

⁠Questions, suggestions and feedback

May be directed at Open Source Automation Development Lab (OSADL) eG
[email protected]⁠
More information on the OSADL Docker Base Image can be found at osadl.org/base-image⁠.