DAILY NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE GLOBAL GRID COMMUNITY /    ( Table of Contents )

Breaking News - Operating Systems & Middleware:

Mandrake Re-Engineers Linux Development Process

MandrakeSoft recently unveiled a new development process to provide improved features to their products. The change will affect the way that upcoming Mandrake distributions will be carried out and engineered. The new strategy will begin with the emerging Mandrake Linux 10.0.

Mandrake has been using the "Cooker" process, a distribution method that is ever changing and updating. Over 1,000 contributors are part of the process and it is available to the public through a network of FTP mirrors, CVS servers, translation tools, a Wiki website and multiple mailing lists.

The Cooker is stopped as a new Mandrake Linux release is approached. It then processes a Beta/Release cycle leading towards a final release; this can be downloaded free or used in commercial retail Packs. This method has led to the development of a journalized file system, dynamical device management, and the CUPS printing system, among other things.

The Cooker allows for testing and examination before an official release. Still, difficulties lie in testing the vast variations in hardware and software configurations available on PCs today. Because of this, many issues are sometimes encountered after the official release of certain products, forcing companies to release an errata page containing problems and resolutions.

Now, MandrakeSoft wants to improve the quality of their products while still maintaining fast release times. In other words, they hope to find a balance between releasing innovations as soon as possible with minor glitches and waiting to release a more reliable product.

MandrakeSoft will retain its earlier format like that of Mandrake Linux distribution, but will now call it "Mandrake Linux Community." In addition, "Mandrake Linux Official," a second, more reliable version will be released two or three months later. This will be less problematic and strong because it will include all Erratas applied to the initial release. The first release will be for those who want the newest products immediately, and the second will be for more patient customers who prefer greater reliability.

After several Beta and Release candidates are debugged, "Mandrake Linux 10.0 Community" will be available in February or March. It will be available for download and as a DVD-set through e-Commerce.

Soon after, and based on Mandrake Linux 10.0 Community, MandrakeSoft will release a Mandrake Linux 10.0 Stable branch allowing for security updates and bug fixes. It will be made publicly available for download.

Finally, in April or May, the official "Mandrake Linux 10.0" will be created and packaged for several products. Mandrake 10.0 Official ISO images will also be available for all contributors and Club Members; then, after a short delay, Mandrake Linux 10.0 Official Download Edition will be made available on public FTP mirrors.