The Apache HTTP Server originated in 1995 when eight programmers, including Brian Behlendorf, coordinated efforts to patch NCSA codebase limitations. This collaborative initiative transformed the way the internet functioned, eventually leading to the formation of the Apache Software Foundation, where Behlendorf served as president for three years during its early development and growth.
Early Internet Projects
Raised in Southern California, Behlendorf attended La Cañada High School before enrolling at the University of California, Berkeley. During the early 1990s, he launched SFRaves, an online electronic music resource. This evolved into Hyperreal.org, marking his initial foray into web-based community management. In 1993, he co-founded Organic, Inc. with Jonathan Nelson, Matthew Nelson, and Cliff Skolnick to focus on commercial website creation.
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Take the IQ test →The Apache Foundation and CollabNet
While developing the HotWired website in 1994, Behlendorf modified NCSA server code to accommodate specific user registration requirements. Recognizing that other developers were performing similar tasks, he facilitated communication to consolidate these patches. This work culminated in the creation of the Apache HTTP Server. In 1999, he co-founded CollabNet with O'Reilly & Associates to provide collaborative software development tools, acting as a primary corporate sponsor for the Subversion version control system.
Institutional Leadership and Security
Behlendorf has held several board positions, including tenures at the Mozilla Foundation starting in 2003, Benetech in 2009, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation in 2013. His career includes a role as CTO of the World Economic Forum and a period as managing director at Mithril Capital. In 2016, he became executive director of the Hyperledger project at the Linux Foundation. He later served as General Manager of the Open Source Security Foundation from 2021 to 2023, subsequently transitioning to his current position as Chief Technology Officer.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973
- Education: University of California, Berkeley; La Cañada High School
- Primary achievement: Founding member of the Apache Group
- Award: ACM Software System Award (1999)
- Board membership: Electronic Frontier Foundation (2013)
- Professional role: CTO of Open Source Security Foundation
Questions readers ask
What was Behlendorf's role at the World Economic Forum?
He served as the Chief Technology Officer of the organization.
Did Behlendorf win any professional recognition for his software contributions?
Yes, he received the ACM Software System Award in 1999 and was named to the MIT Technology Review TR100 in 2003.
Achievements
- Held posts at World Economic Forum
