DLR's Inner Source Policy

Abstract

The aim of the DLR Inner Source Policy is to encourage institutes to share their software within the DLR. This helps avoid duplication of development work, supports knowledge transfer, and improves exchange between institutes. By publishing this policy, we want to encourage others to adapt an Inner Source Policy in their organizations. Many software projects are developed at DLR institutes, and not all of them are intended for publication—for example, some are kept internally to retain certain intellectual property (IP) within the DLR. Publication is also not advisable for software that addresses DLR-internal issues. Nevertheless, an internal release requires regulations that balance the respective interests of the institutes. DLR Inner Source Policy regulates the use, collaboration, and distribution of software within the DLR. It consists of three parts: the Inner Source Basic Guideline regulates the DLR-wide handling of Inner Source, the User Agreement sets out rules for each software project according to which it may be used at DLR, and the Contribution Guide specifies the conditions under which contributions can be made to the software on a project-specific basis. In this paper we present the obstacles researchers face regarding sharing their software, introduce the DLR Inner Source Policy, and explain how it addresses these obstacles.