---
title: About CentOS
with_content_width: col col-lg-8
---

## The CentOS Project

The CentOS Project is a community-driven free software effort focused around
providing a rich base platform for open source communities to build upon.
We provide a development framework for cloud providers, the hosting community,
scientific data processing, and many more.
We work with several upstream communities to help them layer and distribute
their software more effectively on a platform they can rely on.


## CentOS Stream

CentOS Stream defines Enterprise Linux.

CentOS Stream is derived from Fedora Linux.
It has a new major version release every three years,
and each release is maintained for five years, matching the
[full support phase](https://access.redhat.com/support/policy/updates/errata)
of RHEL.
CentOS Stream development is open to all, but because CentOS Stream only
has updates intended for RHEL, it is maintained by the RHEL team.
[Learn how to contribute](/contribute).

CentOS Stream can serve as a production operating system, a development
environment, or a preview of the next minor RHEL release.
It also serves as a foundation for the work from our Special Interest Groups (SIGs).


## CentOS Special Interest Groups

The CentOS Project is home to a number of Special Interest Groups (SIGs).
SIGs are involved in the project in a number of ways.

* Produce variant editions and alternative images of CentOS.
* Develop and package software to be run on top of CentOS.
* Support the CentOS project with non-technical activities.

[See all Special Interest Groups](/sigs).


## The CentOS Board

The CentOS Governing Board is made up of members of the CentOS Project, some
whom have been around since the creation of the Project, as well as new members
from the community and Red Hat. The focus of the Governing Board is to curate 
the CentOS Project, assist and guide in the progress and development of the
various SIGs, as well as to promote CentOS Stream. For more information read
the [governance page](/about/governance).