Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2001 18:04:02 -0700
To: Recipient List Suppressed:;
From: Kai Staats <kstaats@terrasoftsolutions.com>
Subject: Where is Yellow Dog Linux 2.0? --an update: 2001 03/22

Dear Associates of Terra Soft and Customers of Yellow Dog Linux,

By now, we are certain you are asking "Where is YDL 2.0?" --a valid question to which we will provide an apology and an overview of where we are and what you can expect.


AN APOLOGY
We recognize that YDL 2.0 is not only anticipated, but very much needed to keep PowerPC Linux on par with non-PowerPC distributions. It is our prime directive to deliver an exceptional product, with consideration for time-to-market placed second. As YDL 2.0 is a ground-up rebuild of our distribution, we have experienced several setbacks in the past six months that are admittedly frustrating for our staff, our resellers, and our customers. For this we apologize and ask that you maintain enthusiasm as we near completion. We promise an outstanding product!


AN OVERVIEW
With the delivery of our previous Champion Server releases, our customers and resellers expressed that the number one barrier to using Linux was installation. As the majority of our customers are expectant of the ease of Mac OS, this issue was amplified. Therefore, we designed YDL 2.0 to meet the expectations of Mac OS users and surpass the expectations of those coming from other Linux platforms. This is, however, not a simple task, and has consumed our development staff for nearly a year.

As Linux is trying to move out of the basements, programming lairs, and research labs into server rooms, offices, and onto the desks of business persons and home users, YDL 2.0 must be able to provide a smooth installation with a familiar, readily understood configuration environment. We are proud to state we have accomplished this as YDL 2.0 users will enjoy:
  - a graphically pleasing installation environment
  - mouse-driven installation with Basic and Custom modes
  - on-screen assistance with additional Help available on many screens
  - professional French, Spanish, German, and Italian translations
  - a post-installation configuration environment that draws from the familiar Installer interface
  - original Yellow Dog Linux wallpaper and theme


WHERE WE ARE
In what we hoped to be our final stress tests last week, we uncovered several new problems including a bug in the partitioning code. We are working hard this week and the next to resolve these issues. We have made our 2.0 package set (based upon Red Hat 7) available for any power users to test and provide feedback. We've already fixed several, relatively minor bugs discovered through public beta tests and appreciate this assistance.

Finally, we are pleased to state that our resellers will be given opportunity to stock their shelves prior to our going live with online sales, giving you the option to support your local reseller and not pay for shipping.

Please stay tuned to our website (http://www.yellowdoglinux.com), join our Announce List (http://lists.yellowdoglinux.com), and spread the good news about what is to come. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support.

Sincerely,
kai & dan, co-founders