The non-profit organization Apache Software Foundation, which supports the development of approximately 400 open-source products, has announced a significant change. Instead of using the full name “Apache Software Foundation,” the organization will now be referred to as ASF. This transition coincides with the adoption of a new logo, replacing the iconic feather pen symbol with an image of an oak leaf. More information about this can be found on their official press release.
While the legal entity Apache Software Foundation remains unchanged and will be used when required by law or for official purposes, the acronym ASF will now be the primary visual identity across documentation and links. Products associated with the organization that have the word “Apache” in their names, such as Apache Http Server, will maintain their current branding.
The decision to update the organization’s symbols came after concerns were raised by a technology advocacy group representing indigenous peoples. The group criticized the use of Indian imagery in the original Apache Software Foundation logo, viewing it as a misappropriation of cultural symbols that perpetuates stereotypes. Although some investors called for a complete rename of the organization and the discontinuation of the word “Apache,” the community decided against such drastic measures due to financial implications and legal complexities.