All, A conversation emerged on a PR [1] regarding how package repositories should listed on the downloads page [2]. This PR was prompted by a change on the page which removed reference to the ShapeBlue repositories. The PR proposes listing all "3rd-Party Distributions" in a separate section in the same manner as the Apache Cassandra [3] project — clearly stating that the package repositories are not endorsed by the community. Objections were raised that the apt-get.eu<http://apt-get.eu> repository is a “blessed” community repository, and therefore, not a third party repository. To the best of my knowledge (and my ability to search the mailing list archives), I can not find a vote that changed the project deliverables to include distribution packages or a particular repository for them. Furthermore, the vote for 4.6.0 was only for the source deliverable — not distribution packages. As such the packages contained in the apt-get.eu<http://apt-get.eu> repository are no more “blessed” or endorsed than any other packages distributed by other parties.
In my opinion, favoring one 3rd-party repository over another is detrimental to the community. We should either list all maintained 3rd-party package repositories or we should list none at all. By maintained, I mean a repository that meets the following criteria: * All contained packages are built from project release tags * The packages contained in the repository are up-to-date with latest release tags The only variations in the packages across “maintained” repositories should be the plugins from the CloudStack source tree included in the package. In order to be listed on the downloads page, a repository must meet this definition and provide a brief description of the repository’s purpose. Some on the PR discussion asked about the purpose and composition of the packages in the ShapeBlue repository. The packages in the ShapeBlue repository are noredist builds of community release tags. They contain no additional patches or changes. This repository was created to provide users with an convenient/familiar way to install the noredist build of a release. Finally, as I have stated elsewhere, I think the project should build distribution packages signed by the project and distributed from official package repositories. However, we must come to a consensus as community this change in deliverables and work out a variety of issues (e.g. supported platforms, repository management, signing, etc) to ensure that users receive well-tested, community voted packages. Finally, it seems like there will be a role for 3rd-party repositories now and in the future. Listing all available 3rd-party repos as I propose would be convenient for users, and ensure fairness to all contributors. Thanks, -John [1]: https://github.com/apache/cloudstack-www/pull/20 [2]: http://cloudstack.apache.org/downloads.html [3]: http://cassandra.apache.org/download/ --- John Burwell (@john_burwell) VP of Software Engineering, ShapeBlue (571) 403-2411 | +44 20 3603 0542 http://www.shapeblue.com | @ShapeBlue 53 Chandos Place, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4HS Find out more about ShapeBlue and our range of CloudStack related services IaaS Cloud Design & Build<http://shapeblue.com/iaas-cloud-design-and-build//> CSForge – rapid IaaS deployment framework<http://shapeblue.com/csforge/> CloudStack Consulting<http://shapeblue.com/cloudstack-consultancy/> CloudStack Software Engineering<http://shapeblue.com/cloudstack-software-engineering/> CloudStack Infrastructure Support<http://shapeblue.com/cloudstack-infrastructure-support/> CloudStack Bootcamp Training Courses<http://shapeblue.com/cloudstack-training/> This email and any attachments to it may be confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Shape Blue Ltd or related companies. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, you must neither take any action based upon its contents, nor copy or show it to anyone. Please contact the sender if you believe you have received this email in error. Shape Blue Ltd is a company incorporated in England & Wales. ShapeBlue Services India LLP is a company incorporated in India and is operated under license from Shape Blue Ltd. Shape Blue Brasil Consultoria Ltda is a company incorporated in Brasil and is operated under license from Shape Blue Ltd. ShapeBlue SA Pty Ltd is a company registered by The Republic of South Africa and is traded under license from Shape Blue Ltd. ShapeBlue is a registered trademark.
