The goal of OpenDesktop.org is the advancement of free software and libre computing technologies via hosting free-as-in-freedom-and-beer services for the community.

As of 2019, Opendesktop offers many free alternatives to proprietary services, like file sharing, contact and calendar management, chat, and messaging.

All of these services are based on free or libre software components, like Nextcloud, Discourse, or Element (a Matrix client).

According to the project site, a dedicated community is a key factor to improve the quality of open source and to ultimately grow the adoption of the Linux desktop.

One primary goal for Pling is to encourage free software users to support the various subgroups and creators on the platform via donations.

[5] Shortly after, many similar sites with focus on other open source themes and customization for other Linux desktops, such as GNOME, were launched.