We provide information and resources for the Open Source version of SONiC. SONiC is offered as two distinct streams of software, the upstream Open Source version available on GitHub and commercial versions referred to as Enterprise SONiC. The Enterprise versions use upstream SONiC as a base but add additional hardware features and support. These Enterprise versions are available from vendors that provide hardware or independent software vendors, often aligned with particular hardware vendors

Forked versions of Open Source such as Enterprise SONiC create complexity and confusion for users. Each version has its own license and support model. Where features are added but not available in the Open Source version compatibility between versions, both Enterprise versions from different providers and the upstream version creates a complex compatibility matrix. Where features have been added that change configuration models, using SONiC can get more complex than using legacy vendors. Add that not all Enterprise versions support all hardware vendors or versions and the managing SONiC becomes untenable. Anchoring your deployment on the upstream Open Source version of SONiC is the best way to ensure compatibility and support.

Open Source thrives when it provides utility and is accessible by all. Versions behind paywalls are not accessible to all, the Open Source version of SONiC is critical to the success, growth and broad adoption of the software.