# Twenty Years of RISC OS Open: A Legacy of Open Innovation
In 2006, RISC OS Open Ltd (ROOL) was founded with a daring ambition: to open up RISC OS, a proprietary operating system, to the community. Two decades later, this initiative has led to a significant transformation of the OS, making it more robust and accessible than ever.
The Beginnings: A Bold Gamble
The initial idea was simple yet radical. Castle Technology and ROOL launched a shared source project that made the first versions of RISC OS accessible to the public. This move was hailed as an innovative initiative, laying the groundwork for an active community of developers and users.
Community Growth
Year after year, the RISC OS community grew, contributing to the ongoing improvement of the OS. In 2008, a community-enhanced version of RISC OS 5 was showcased on an IYONIX, marking a first for the platform.
The Rise of Automated Builds
In 2009, ROOL introduced nightly automated builds, a major milestone for the stability and rapid evolution of the system. This process allowed for regular testing and updates, ensuring code quality.
Hardware Expansion: From BeagleBoard to Raspberry Pi
A key moment was adapting RISC OS for the BeagleBoard, then porting it to the Raspberry Pi in 2012. This not only made the OS more accessible to a new generation but also significantly expanded its user base.
The Impact of RISC OS Pi
RISC OS Pi was a resounding success, increasing ROOL's website traffic and inspiring new applications and developments. This version introduced the system to thousands of Raspberry Pi users.
Continuous Innovation and the Bounty Scheme
Launched in 2010, the Bounty Scheme allowed the community to fund and vote for desired features. This participatory model led to significant developments, such as native memory card support on BeagleBoard machines.
The Future of RISC OS
As it enters its third decade, RISC OS continues to adapt and evolve. With projects like Titanium, a Cortex-A15 board, the OS is gearing up for new technological challenges.
Conclusion
RISC OS Open is a shining example of what a dedicated and passionate community can achieve. It has transformed an operating system into a living, evolving project. Let's discuss your project in 15 minutes.