The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is a nonprofit organization that promotes and protects open-source software by advocating for its use and development. Founded in 1998, OSI provides a certification mark for open-source licenses, ensuring that software is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. This approach fosters collaboration and innovation within the software community. OSI also plays a crucial role in educating the public about the benefits of open-source software. By supporting projects and initiatives that align with open-source principles, the organization helps create a more inclusive and accessible technology landscape, benefiting developers and users alike.