TSC Chair message for LF Edge 2021 report (Akraino)

• 1-2 paragraphs and/or bullet points about key project accomplishments in 2021 as well as 2022 plans

Akraino Releases 4 and 5 were made available in 2021, including K8s ready blueprints and deployments such as Public Cloud Edge Interface, AI Edge, 5G MEC System, Integrated Edge Cloud, Integrated Cloud Native blueprint families, Automotive, IoT, Metaverse Areas, and more. All released blueprints have passed a vulnerability scanning process implemented by Akraino's security subcommittee. In addition, Akraino has enhanced its API map, integrated upstream components, explored downstream labs, and approved new incubation blueprints including buffer at the edge, smart data transition for CPS, and CPS robotics. Two blueprints entered maturity stage in 2021: Connected Vehicle Blueprint and IEC Type 4: AR/VR oriented Edge Stack for Integrated Edge Cloud (IEC) Blueprint Family.

In November 2021 Akraino cautiously restarted a live meeting schedule with a hybrid event in Palo Alto. A more extensive technical meeting is planned for March 2022.

• In 2021 Akraino delivered two releases (R4 in Feb and R5 in Sep) with over 20 blueprints participating, including 5+ new
• We held two Akraino technical meetings with a wide representation from service providers, public cloud providers, technology providers, research institutions and developer communities
• Akraino held Automotive and IoT Area workshops and presented to the Korean Institute on Communications and Information Sciences
• We developed and agreed on the collaboration plan with ETSI MEC ISG, participated in the MEC Technical Meetings and took part in the ETSI MEC Plugtests 2021 (with the PCEI Blueprint demonstrating and conforming to the MEC013 Location API service). In 2022 we are planning a joint ETSI MEC - Akraino hackathon targeting development of innovative solutions utilizing Akraino blueprints and ETSI MEC APIs and services in the focus area of: Edge Computing and 5G, Automotive and Metaverse. In addition, in 2022 Akraino plans to participate and contribute to other ETSI MEC initiatives such as the ETSI MEC Tech podcasts series.
• We held our first Akraino community awards, recognizing individual achievements, remarkable women of Akraino and Blueprints of the year
• Our security subcommittee developed new automated security vulnerability identification features and increased efficiency in the blueprint security certification process
• We held our first in-person Akraino Reunion meeting since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic
• We participated, by providing presentations and technical demonstrations, in the industry events, including LFN Developer and Testing Forum (Feb and Jun), Open Networking and Edge Summit and Open Edge Computing workshop
• Akraino TSC welcomed multiple guest speakers on a variety of edge technologies during our weekly meetings    

• A direct quote from you as TSC Chair would also be useful as a pull quote

In the Year of Ox, Akraino received great contributions and passion from various regions and companies. Highlights included deployments, security, blueprint technical advancement, and adoption of our umbrella organization Linux Foundation's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiative. In the Year of Tiger, I expect Akraino developers to move like tigers, seizing opportunities in robotics, metaverse, 5G and more. Happy Lunar New Year everyone!