Android is an open-source software stack created for a wide array of deviceswith different form factors. The primary purposes of Android are to create anopen software platform available for carriers, OEMs, and developers to maketheir innovative ideas a reality and to introduce a successful,real-world product that improves the mobile experience for users.
We also wanted to make sure there wasno central point of failure, where one industry player could restrict orcontrol the innovations of any other. The result is a full, production-qualityconsumer product with source code open for customization and porting.
Figure 1. Android stack
Governance Philosophy
Android was originated by a group of companies known as the OpenHandset Alliance, led by Google. Today, many companies -- both original membersof the OHA and others -- have invested heavily in Android. These companies haveallocated significant engineering resources to improve Android and bring Androiddevices to market.
The companies that have invested in Android have done so on its meritsbecause we believe an open platform is necessary. Android isintentionally and explicitly an open-source -- as opposed to a free software --effort; a group of organizations with shared needs has pooledresources to collaborate on a single implementation of a shared product.The Android philosophy is pragmatic, first and foremost. The objective isa shared product that each contributor can tailor and customize.
Uncontrolled customization can, of course, lead to incompatibleimplementations. To prevent this, the Android Open Source Project also maintains the
AndroidCompatibility Program, which spells out what it means to be "Androidcompatible" and what is required of device builders to achieve that status.Anyone can (and will!) use the Android source code for any purpose, and wewelcome all legitimate uses. However, in order to take part in the sharedecosystem of applications we are building around Android, device buildersmust participate in the Android Compatibility Program.
The Android Open Source Project is led by Google, whomaintains and further develops Android.Although Android consists of multiple subprojects, this is strictly aproject management technique. We view and manage Android as a single,holistic software product, not a "distribution", specification, or collectionof replaceable parts. Our intent is that device builders portAndroid to a device; they don't implement a specification or curate adistribution.
