Two well-known Linux organizations, Freedesktop and Alpine Linux, are racing against the clock to find new web hosting solutions. Both groups rely on bare-metal servers for their operations, but donor support for this setup is dwindling, leaving them in a tough spot.

Freedesktop, which provides key infrastructure for Linux desktops, is exploring a new approach. After moving from Google Cloud Platform following the expiration of their open-source credits, they’re now considering a self-funded model with sponsors contributing to cover costs. It’s a big shift, but one they hope will ensure long-term stability.

Meanwhile, Alpine Linux, a lightweight and security-focused distribution used in countless containers and embedded devices, is also on the hunt. They’re specifically looking for co-location space and bare-metal servers near the Netherlands. If that’s not possible, they’ll settle for virtual machines. With 800TB of monthly bandwidth and ongoing development needs, finding the right hosting setup is critical.

What’s interesting is how these projects have become essential without most users realizing it. As one Alpine Linux council member put it, they’re “popular without most users knowing it.” While donations and corporate offers are starting to trickle in, it’s still early days for both groups.

This situation highlights a recurring challenge in the open-source world: the gap between a project’s importance and its funding. As Freedesktop and Alpine Linux navigate this transition, it’s a reminder of the often-overlooked infrastructure that keeps our digital lives running.