[CentOS] Getting ready for CentOS 5.4

[Phil Schaffner]

mbneto wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> Since the release of CentOS 5.3 is imminent(?) I'd like to ask a 
> question regarding why did it took so long to be released and, more 
> important, suggest some actions in order to reduce this time if I can 
> assume what caused this delay.
> 
> First I'd like to make sure I am not complaining about this delay 
> between the RHEL and CentOS releases per se.  I did not help in any way 
> to make it happen faster and usually I don't mind having a three weeks 
> gap between them.   But I've noticed that we had two security related 
> kernel updates from RHEL since the RHEL 5.3 release and there is no word 
> on when it will be released or why is it taking so long.
> 
> I can only assume that this delay is caused by lack of the necessary 
> human resources.

There were some unusual situations with core developers this time around.

> So, if this is really the case I'd suggest making some sort of campaign 
> to raise money and provide the necessary resources in order to speed 
> things up.  If RH maintains the 4-6 month schedule it can happen again 
> in less than three months.

Some additional resources could help but since CentOS developers are 
unpaid, raising money for human resources may not be the correct 
approach.  Beefing up the buildsystem has been noted as something desirable.

> If this is not the case as a suggestion please let the community know 
> what's going on.  Perhaps an automated email sent to the mailing list 
> with today's status (like 400 packages left to rebase, 20 packages being 
> reviewed by QA etc) would give a sense of progress, let the others know 
> if you hit problems and reduce the anxiety with daily doses of news :)

And who is going to develop such nice automation?  There has been 
regular news:

http://www.centos.org/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=18223&forum=37
http://twitter.com/CentOS

Phil