... or maybe not?

Mar 31, 2008 13:34 GMT  ·  By

Automatix, the graphical package manager for installing/uninstalling and configuring applications on Debian-based Linux distributions, has ceased to exist. Its development for Ubuntu stopped, as announced by Jared B., one of the main developers.

The developers say that the development was discontinued because all of them are having much more important commitments to fulfill. On Automatix's forums, Jared B. said: "I, Jared, have been asked by Technalign Inc. to assist in the development of the next version of their GNU/Linux distribution, Pioneer Warrior. I will use what I have learned as an Automatix developer to make Pioneer Warrior the best GNU/Linux distribution for the average user. Arnie, and the other Automatix Team members, currently are too involved in their personal lives to do justice to the Automatix project as well. We thank our loyal users for the years of support they have given us, and we wish them well on their journey in the world of free software."

Although, there seems to be a slight chance that the development could continue, by creating Automatix3, which could be a completely new application, and exclusive to Pioneer Warrior, from Technalign. The two main reasons behind the exclusiveness are:

1. Technalign paid the server and hosting of Automatix's site for one year. 2. The developers from Technalign are really cooperative.

Dianne Ursini, Technalign CEO, stated on Automatix's forums: " I would like to say something here if I may as CEO of Technalign and the ones who have been supporting the Automatix servers for over a year. I found, and find, value from the work Arnie, Jared and crew have done. I have also found that people were excited to have Automatix when things weren't working well for them in Ubuntu. I was surprised and disgusted when I heard the rants and raves of the development teams at Canonical when the Automatix team did wonders for them. I am more than excited to have Jared coming on board at Technalign to assist in the development of Pioneer Warrior and also what we hope to make the next Automatix3. We are entering very exciting times here at Technalign and I hope that each of you continue to provide feedback to Jared and Arnie on what you would like the next release of Automatix be in Pioneer - you're the reason Automatix was a success and I hope you all assist us in making Warrior as successful as Automatix!"

The decision to stop making Automatix for Ubuntu was Jared's, because the collaboration between Canonical and Automatix was not fruitful. Technalign helped Automatix grow, and the exclusiveness of Automatix for this company is a way of showing gratitude.