Hi Marc, OpenSXCE is related to the original OpenSXDE distribution.
Server and desktop applications are well supported and available with the distro (or through third-party ISVs like OpenCSW). The community is not split, nor at real war, nor leaving behind the Illumos project. DilOS (see dilos.org) extends the Illumos-modified kernel with additional work that brings in updates to Perl, OpenSSL, Linux emulation, and other improvements. Illumos is the vanilla ice cream offering while DilOS is more like rainbow sherbet (or maybe Dutch vanilla or Vanilla Bean?). OpenSXCE then brings in the waffle cones, toppings, and other enhancements for the consumer. I could mention Android/OSX versus Linux/BSD - but hope you get the point. As far as Asterisk and other software, you can use those apps on OpenSXCE just like you do on Linux. Some apps are still being ported while others are imported by larger ISVs by paid or sponsored engineers/consultants. That usually is a request for OpenCSW to tackle if not one of the other experienced ISVs. OpenSXCE provides the most recent snapshot release of the Illumos kernel at this time (i.e. 2-4 weeks). The distro also works on nearly all of the SPARC/x86_64 servers that worked with the OpenSolaris distribution. As far as Debian packages, almost all of POPULAR software packages used by the top 10 ten Linux distributors are available on OpenSXCE - as well as OpenIndiana. Again, you can go to the larger ISVs like OpenCSW, Unixpackages (sunfreeware), sunfreepacks, or even PKGSRC (NetBSD). Most of the 'developer' types on this list have over 10 years of experience porting software to the SPARC/x86 OS platform. As far as installing packages, you can install the SVR4 packages and use something like pkg(add|info) or the pkgutil tool just like using it on Solaris 8/9/10/11. As a sidenote for people talking about SPARC usage and market values, notice that many of the larger packaging ISVs on this list as well as the developer list still possess or remotely can access SPARC hardware?? I think most people are probably talking about the legacy SPARC workstations due to the original OpenSXCE SPARC offering targeting those workstations. Yet, the legacy Sun Blade 1500/2500 and Ultra 45 'were' very capable performers for development, engineering, scientific, and CAD/CAM machines. Now, if you want to talk about SPARC servers then there are many articles on the web discussing the enterprise server market usage and value. We can now buy much lower-priced and comparable x86_64 workstation hardware. So, I understand the valid debates from that angle of discussion. So, OpenSXCE has the x86/x86_64 distribution offerings as well. People can use professional workstation laptops with a Nvidia Quadro GPU. No shame in having 'compatible' state-of-the-art hardware - if your pocket change allows. So, you may not drive a Mini Cooper or 2013 Koenigsegg Agera R but that does not mean they have no purpose to specific markets. I think OpenSXCE is kinda like an open-source 'Agera R' for high-end users. Just my opinion... ~ Ken Mays ________________________________ From: Marc Lobelle <[email protected]> To: Discussion list for OpenIndiana <[email protected]>; Martin Bochnig <[email protected]> Cc: Igor Kozhukhov <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, June 7, 2013 6:01 AM Subject: Re: [OpenIndiana-discuss] [UNSUBSCRIBE] <Snipped> Even though the strength of opensolaris descendents is in servers, it is of utmost importance to keep a state of the art desk/lap-top offering, because people using OS XXX or WWW on their desk/lap-tops will always prefer XXX or WWW on their servers, just because it is f amiliar to them. Thus, if we want opensolaris descendents to survive, it must be usable on desk/lap-tops with all the features available in XXX or WWW. <Snipped> Another point is that the opensolaris descendents community is not large enough to be able to split up in subcommunities at war with each-other, so I urge you to reconsider replacing illumos that is really at the core of this activity with anything else. I must confess, I do not really understand your move to Dilos: As I understand is Dilos= illumos + debian format packages, but is not clear for me if this means any that debian package can be used on dilos, and this would have a big added value for the desk/lap-tops environment, or just that packages built for "opensolaris" and packaged in the right way can be installed on dilos with debian-like tools. I do not see the real added value of the latter. <Snipped> If your purpose is to provide a distribution with an up to date illumos at its core and the applications everybody expects on desk/lap-tops easily installable, then I consider your work as a really important and I would be ready helping you to live of it. But make it possible to easily install all available applications, whether provided by openindiana, opencsw or yourself directly. One of the missing ones seems to be asterisk, by the way. Best regards Marc _______________________________________________ OpenIndiana-discuss mailing list [email protected] http://openindiana.org/mailman/listinfo/openindiana-discuss _______________________________________________ OpenIndiana-discuss mailing list [email protected] http://openindiana.org/mailman/listinfo/openindiana-discuss
