Join CNCF as an End User
The CNCF End User Community is a vendor-neutral space where organizations that run cloud native technologies in production come together to influence the ecosystem, connect with peers, and accelerate their platform journeys. There are two ways for an end user organization to join. Both grant access to the End User Community; they differ in the benefits that come with them.
Who qualifies as an end user
CNCF defines an end user as an organization that uses cloud native technologies internally to build, deploy, and operate its own software, systems, or services. The definition excludes:
- Companies that commercially distribute, support, or sell software generated by CNCF projects.
- Companies that sell or commercially distribute other products or services that enable, host, optimize, monitor, or secure cloud native technologies.
- Training providers that sell courses, training services, educational content, or professional certification related to cloud native technologies.
- Consultancies and systems integrators.
Selling or distributing plug-ins that integrate with CNCF project software, or contributing such plug-ins upstream, does not disqualify an organization. CNCF may approve exceptions case by case, including for organizations that meet the definition apart from a small portion of their business. The authoritative text is the End User Definition on cncf.io.
Option 1: End User Contributor
The End User Contributor Program is a zero-fee pathway into the community. End User Contributors receive:
- Access to End User-only events, programs, and discussion forums, including
the private End User mailing list and
#enduserSlack channel. - Eligibility to run for and serve on the End User Technical Advisory Board.
- Recognition as a CNCF End User Contributor, including a listing in the End User Directory.
This is the right starting point for an organization that wants to take part in the community before, or instead of, committing to a paid membership.
Option 2: CNCF member
Organizations that meet the end user definition can also join CNCF as paying members. Members receive everything End User Contributors receive, plus membership benefits such as:
- KubeCon + CloudNativeCon in-person tickets.
- Linux Foundation training and certification coupons.
- An End User Recruiting Booth at KubeCon + CloudNativeCon at discounted pricing.
- Display of the organization's logo on the CNCF website and the interactive landscape, and use of the CNCF member logos.
- Announcement in the quarterly CNCF new-member press release.
Benefits grow with the membership level. Higher levels add Governing Board participation, thought-leadership programs on CNCF channels, press and keynote recognition, and more, and Platinum end user members may appoint a representative to the End User Technical Advisory Board directly. The membership benefits comparison on cncf.io lists the current levels, benefits, and pricing.
Which path fits
| Consideration | End User Contributor | CNCF member |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | None | Annual dues by level |
| End User-only forums and events | Yes | Yes |
| Run for the End User TAB | Yes | Yes |
| KubeCon + CloudNativeCon tickets | No | Yes |
| Training and certification coupons | No | Yes |
| Logo on cncf.io and the landscape | No | Yes |
| Governing Board vote | No | Silver and above |
Either path puts your organization in the room with the maintainers, working groups, and peer companies shaping the projects you depend on. Many organizations begin as End User Contributors and move to membership as their involvement grows; see the contribution ladder for how participation typically develops over time.