Should open source devs sync their release schedules?
Posted by Peng on 26 April 2008
I came across an idea that’s getting tossed between Mark Shuttleworth and Tristan Rhodes suggesting that Linux distributions, and open source devs in general, synchronize their release schedules.
Part of the logic is the incredible ink that open source could generate if Ubuntu (and it’s siblings), Fedora and OpenSuse all released new versions one day. It would be incredibly cool, and the world would be unable to avoid hearing about the new options to Windows and OSX. As Mark Shuttleworth said,
“We know when the next LTS will be probably with better confidence than we know when Windows 7 will ship. I would take that bet.”
I have to admit I wouldn’t bet against hi on that, but I see two possible problems. First there could be confusion if all the major Linux distros released on the same day, plus we could end up with users tuning out the news instead of rejoicing in it.
The second issue is that this schedule could force open source projects to try to hold to release schedules that may not be best for them. Tristan points out Firefox 3, but Mozilla has always said it would be released “when it’s ready” and not a day sooner. As it is we have a beta web browser being the default in Ubuntu Hardy despite Mozilla’s insistence that Firefox 3 is one of those rare beta builds that should not be used by everyone. Yes, I know, there are several beta programs in Ubuntu Hardy but a web browser isn’t just any old program. It has to simply work right out of the box, and while Firefox 3 is close to that point they’re not there yet.
You can read Tristan’s post for more information on the idea. Let me know what you guys (and gals) think. I know I’m probably a voice crying in the wilderness about beta browsers being in official OS releases (LTS, Long-Term Support, or not), but what do you all think of it?
