Node.js is a popular server-side JavaScript framework that focuses on providing communication tools that are robust and easy to use. It was launched by Ryan Dahl, a Joyent employee, and has been led by the company ever since. Recently, members of the community have had issue with how the project release cycle has been managed; a dispute that went as far as members of the community leaving to start their own fork.
In an effort to bring the community back together, Joyent has decided to release the reigns of control over Node.js by establishing its own, independent foundation that will handle project governance. Joyent turned to the Linux Foundation to determine what the Node.js foundation would look like; It will consist of a board of directors, which will likely be determined through sponsorship deals, and a technical comittee that initially consists of core developers already in place in the Node.js community. The hope is that this will create a community that balances the technical, meritocratic development process with business requirements.
