Open Source Software Cooperative for Secure Digital Infrastructure

What we do

We are a non-profit open source software cooperative whose mission is to develop robust and secure digital infrastructure. We help organisations and individuals reliably operate their own infrastructure by producing correct, surprise-free software to be deployed in real environments. Our software is designed for organisations where security and reliability are essential.

We write all our code in OCaml, a high-level memory-safe programming language. In addition each piece of software leverages MirageOS (a minimal operating system) to produce bespoke applications tailored to only contain their required functionality. Each service runs as a virtual machine typically around 1-10 MB in size, much smaller than a UNIX / Linux system, and it boots within milliseconds.

Where other approaches try to patch general-purpose operating systems by adding more layers, we strive to build a secure system from the ground up.

Our approach provides several security and ease-of-use benefits:

• each application is small and fast to start
• our software can be run on all major hypervisors and is ready for the cloud
• we are able to provide rapid prototyping with a seamless path from prototype to production
• reduced attack vectors, for example by guarding against things like memory corruption
• a small code base which means a smaller attack surface, and easier review and audit
• the complexity is reduced ensuring ease of use and helping people to understand the technology
• important components can be formally verified with a proof assistant

We work with clients, partners and funders to design and develop open-source protocols and applications within this approach.

If you are interested in seeing how we can assist you in improving your organisation's digital infrastructure please see our services.

If you like our approach to open source software and want to support our work please consider a donation.

Or if you are a funder of open source projects focused on security and reliability and like our approach we would love to hear from you.

Our services

We design, develop and audit reliable software systems (and systems software), with a focus on security, sustainability, and long-term operation.

Robust Infrastructure

With your help we understand the needs of your organisation, and your software infrastructure. We consult you to improve resource usage, security, ease of use, and ease of maintenance.

Open Source Projects

We develop applications in OCaml using MirageOS that give you high assurance of their security and functionality, which seamlessly integrate in your existing infrastructure.

Bottom-up Approach

We build systems from small, understandable components. By reducing complexity and keeping control close to the foundations, we create software that is easier to maintain, audit and trust.

Underscoring Security

We provide code auditing services, particularly focusing on security and reducing codebase size. Our team has extensive experience working with OCaml and C.

Reliable Technology

We focus on software that keeps working when it matters. Our systems are designed for security, correctness and long-term operation, helping organisations build dependable infrastructure they can rely on.