Initial OpenVPN Release

James Yonan released the first public version of OpenVPN (1.0), making it available as free and open-source software. This initial version showcased its core tunneling capabilities and reliance on SSL/TLS for security.

Significance

This event marked the birth of a new, open-source VPN paradigm. It offered a refreshingly simple, robust, and highly configurable alternative to the complex and proprietary solutions of its time, laying the groundwork for its eventual widespread adoption.