MEPIS LLC, a longtime Debian Linux distributor, is switching from Debian to Ubuntu as the basis for its SimplyMEPIS Linux distribution.
It seems MEPIS founder Warren Woodford has decided that MEPIS will do better for its users by depending upon Ubuntu, rather than Debian, for its foundation.
Ubuntu has a six-month stable release cycle that will enable MEPIS to offer its customers a dependable release schedule, Woodford explained.
“The switch to the Ubuntu pools was made to provide our users with a more stable underlying system. Of course its important for our users that MEPIS remains true to its unique vision. I believe this release demonstrates that we can combine the magic of the MEPIS user experience with the goodness of the Ubuntu Foundation.”
In the past, MEPIS was one of the leading lights of the DCC Alliance, a group of nonprofit and business organizations that had been working on producing a Debian-based core Linux distribution that would also be LSB (Linux Standard Base) 3 compliant. However, MEPIS has now parted from the DCC Alliance.
“MEPIS is no longer involved with the DCC due to creative differences. We wish Progeny, Xandros, and Linspire the best of luck in their mutual endeavors,” said Woodford.
The DCC Alliance had been criticized within the Debian community for its use of the Debian name, and for doing work that might have been done within the community.
Outside the Debian world, critics wondered if there would be any steak behind its sizzle as the DCC project seemed to move very slowly.