One of the most popular features of the Summer '05 release is the new Sforce data loader, a Java-based client application for uploading, extracting, and managing large sets of data between Sforce and other enterprise systems. In addition to the official, supported version of the data loader, we have launched a project to create a parallel open source version of the loader.

Similar in concept to dual-offering systems like Fedora and MySQL, the hope here is to allow the developer community to use loader code in their own projects and contribute enhancements back to the project, which in turn will be used to create future supported versions of the data loader offered directly by salesforce.com.

One user has already created a build of the loader that works on Mac OS X!

Please see the Sourceforge page for more information. This project represents the most significant open source initiative we’d launched to date, in addition to seeking your participation, we welcome your feedback about how we can make these projects valuable for you and your organizations.