Published: in News
Sheridan Computers and OPNsense: A Milestone in Open Source Collaboration
At Sheridan Computers, we take immense pride in our commitment to providing cutting-edge, reliable solutions to our clients. As a Managed Service Provider, we understand that robust security is the backbone of any IT infrastructure. This is why we’ve long championed open source firewalls, particularly pfSense and OPNsense, as part of our service offerings. Today, we are thrilled to share a significant achievement that underscores our dedication not only to our clients but also to the broader open source community.
Introducing Native Support for FreeBSD Boot Environments in OPNsense
We are excited to announce that, in collaboration with the talented development team behind OPNsense, we have successfully introduced native support for FreeBSD boot environments (snapshots) into the OPNsense firewall. This new feature allows users to create snapshots of their system state, providing an advanced recovery procedure in the event of an upgrade or system change that does not go as planned. With this enhancement, users can now roll back to a previous "snapshot," ensuring that critical systems like firewalls remain operational and secure, even in the face of unexpected issues.
A Testament to Open Source Collaboration
This achievement is more than just a technical upgrade; it is a shining example of what open source is all about. Open source is built on the principles of collaboration, transparency, and community-driven innovation. By working closely with the OPNsense team and Deciso, the company behind OPNsense, we were able to contribute not just ideas but actionable code that enhances the security and usability of the firewall for everyone.
At Sheridan Computers, we don’t just use open source solutions; we actively give back to the community. Whether it’s through code contributions, financial support, or raising awareness, we believe in the power of collective effort. The inclusion of FreeBSD boot environments in OPNsense is a direct result of this philosophy. It’s a feature that will benefit countless businesses and individuals who rely on OPNsense for their firewall needs, both in the business edition and the community free edition.
Why This Matters
Firewalls are critical components in the security architecture of any organisation. Ensuring they can be updated and maintained without risking downtime or vulnerabilities is crucial. The new snapshot feature we helped develop provides a safety net, allowing for seamless recovery and peace of mind during system upgrades. This is particularly important for businesses that cannot afford prolonged outages or security lapses.
Moreover, this contribution highlights the importance of the open source model in driving technological advancements. By working together, we can build better, more resilient systems that benefit everyone. This is the spirit of open source—collaboration over competition, and innovation for the common good.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to supporting and contributing to the open source community. OPNsense is just one of many projects where we’ve had the privilege to contribute. At Sheridan Computers, we see these contributions not as optional, but as a fundamental part of our business ethos. We believe that by giving back, we not only strengthen the tools we use but also foster a community of shared knowledge and progress.
We extend our deepest thanks to the OPNsense team and Deciso for their partnership in this endeavor. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work together to bring this valuable feature to life, and we look forward to many more collaborations in the future.
Open source is about more than just software; it’s about community, trust, and the collective pursuit of excellence. We are proud to be a part of that journey.
Sheridan Computers: Innovating with Open Source, Leading with Integrity.