Support from a Foundation is Beneficial, but a Robust Technological Solution to a Recognized Problem is Key
Foundations in the software and open-source realms often experience mixed success rates. While some initiatives, like Kubernetes, benefit significantly from strong community support provided by their foundations, others, such as the Open Enterprise Linux Association and OpenTofu, struggle due to a lack of backing from major cloud vendors. The effectiveness of a foundation is not always a guarantee of success, as the variability in outcomes demonstrates.
This dichotomy makes Let’s Encrypt and its managing body, the Internet Security Research Group (ISRG), particularly compelling. Despite no apparent reason for guaranteed success, Let’s Encrypt has thrived over its decade-long existence. As of now, it has issued more than four billion certificates, securing over 360 million websites. The organization’s other initiatives, such as Prossimo, a memory safety project, and Divvi Up, a privacy-preserving metrics system, show promise of following a similar successful trajectory, in stark contrast to other foundation-led efforts that have faltered, like OpenStack.
Understanding Let’s Encrypt’s success involves examining why it managed to excel where others have not. The answer lies in its ability to address a significant issue effectively. When Let’s Encrypt was launched in 2013, only 28% of web page loads were secured. Despite the availability of technologies like TLS and SSL, their adoption was limited due to complexity. ISRG’s solution was not to launch public service campaigns but to focus on automation and simplicity in obtaining certificates.
By making the process of acquiring and applying certificates straightforward, Let’s Encrypt made it easier for developers to secure their websites. This emphasis on convenience aligns with the idea that developers are driven by tools that simplify their work, a notion highlighted by RedMonk’s Steve O’Grady. The practical focus on reducing barriers to adoption was crucial for Let’s Encrypt’s widespread impact.
Additionally, ISRG’s approach of not positioning itself in competition with commercial certificate authorities contributed to Let’s Encrypt’s success. Rather than seeking to overshadow existing providers, ISRG aimed to solve the problem of Internet security collaboratively, focusing on improving the system rather than claiming credit. This pragmatic mindset allowed Let’s Encrypt to concentrate on its core mission without unnecessary competition or conflict.
Sarah Gran, Vice President of Communications at ISRG, underscores the importance of understanding one’s strengths and sticking to them. For ISRG, this means tackling complex engineering challenges related to Internet security through automation, efficiency, and scalability. This focused approach has proven effective with Let’s Encrypt and is expected to benefit its other projects, Prossimo and Divvi Up, as well.
In summary, Let’s Encrypt’s decade of success can be attributed to its focus on solving a critical problem with a streamlined, automated solution that lowers barriers for developers. The organization’s success serves as a valuable lesson for other nonprofits and open-source projects, emphasizing that solving a well-defined problem with practical, efficient solutions can lead to substantial, impactful results.