Apologies for replying to my own post. While the Mapserver name may be somewhat ambiguous to many who are not involved with web mapping, it is a very robust application which I consider to be, pound for pound, the most flexible and powerful internet map server available. While some may lament its lack of visibility or status in mainstream OSS circles, I only have to watch the involuntary tick on the faces of ESRI reps when the discussion turns to our web mapping client to know that Mapserver is making an impact.
I know plenty of GIS types who dabble in ArcIMS et al without having the slightest idea how it works. Mapserver is all at once accessible and complex. It enables development of a quick and dirty mapping site, while tempting the developer with the possibilities that lay within. I have the greatest respect for Autodesk (v.12 not withstanding) and am extremely happy with the progress in the latest version of AutoCAD Map. I know I speak for a few members of the Mapserver community whey I say welcome, but get ready to earn your place here. The Mapserver "brand", ambiguous as it may be, is sacred to many and should not be bandied about without care. As far as I am concerned MapGuide doesn't get a free pass. Donate code, provide support, be active members of the community. Allow the community to integrate the useful bits of MapGuide into Mapserver and vice versa (despite the drama, Konqueror and Safari kind of works). Please, please, please, don't go through with the naming convention. Mapserver Cheetah? Worst name ever. Mapserver Enterprise? Just plain wrong. -Mike
