Package Policy
There are two types of packages that may be downloaded from the Adempiere FTP site: binary packages (rpms, debs, and the like) and source packages. Binary packages are compiled ("runnable") versions of Adempiere that are built to run on a specific OS or distribution. Source packages are the raw code that makes up Adempiere. Source packages need to be compiled before they can be used (see this page for information on that).
The Adempiere Project itself only releases and supports the source code packages. Those are the only packages that we have the resources to deal with.
Binary Packages
While we only support the source packages, we recognize that the vast majority of Adempiere users would prefer (or require) binary packages. As a result, we work with various third-parties to ensure that as many binary packages as possible are built.
The procedure works roughly like so:
- 1. Several days before a scheduled release, the source packages are "pre-released"
- 2. The packagers build Adempiere into whatever form their OS or distribution uses and uploads them back to the Adempiere servers
- 3. On release day, we move the third party packages to the FTP servers along side the source packages
The identity of the third party packagers makes a great deal of difference in such things as the quality of the package, the speed in which they are uploaded to the servers, how "official" they are, and factors like that. There are two main groups of packagers: those that are the official packagers of a distribution and those that are just devoted users of Adempiere and a particular distribution or OS.
We strongly prefer that the binary packages are made by the distribution vendors whenever possible. This (hopefully) ensures that Adempiere is as integrated into the distribution as possible and doesn't feel like a "add-on". Only when a distribution or OS doesn't provide packages will we ship a user built package. Frequently Asked Questions
When will you offer packages for my favorite distribution?
We will ship packages for your favorite distribution when (and only when) your distribution or a dedicated user builds the packages and submits them to us for redistribution. The Adempiere Project itself does not make any binary packages.
I have a problem with a binary package. Who do I contact?
Please send a note to whoever created the package. Their email address will be included somewhere in the package itself. Do not complain to the Adempiere official contacts or PR reps as individual packages are out of their scope of knowledge.
Why isn't my favorite distribution's packages on your servers yet?
The speed in which we receive binary packages depends largely on how dedicated to Adempiere the distribution is and how busy their packagers are at the time. Sometimes the packages just aren't built in time for the release. In those cases, check the servers once a day or so until they do appear.
Who should I email to find out if packages will be made for my favorite distribution?
Send an email to the distribution vendor. Only they will know. Do not ask a Adempiere representative as they do not know.
