It has been a while since the last status report, so it is now time.
I would like to discuss the following subjects:
1. Bacula Release Status
2. Bacula Binaries (New)
3. Windows Binaries (more coming)
4. Next Bacula Version
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1. Bacula Release Status
As probably know, the latest Bacula version 9.0.8 was released recently to Source Forge and will be released to www.bacula.org shortly. Mostly this release corrects some copyright oversights. However, since version 9.0.0, we have had several minor releases, so most of the minor annoyances, including a few long time bugs are behind us. Just the same there are quite a few additional fixes and many new features coming in the next release (see below).
2. Bacula Binaries
We are pleased to announce that Bacula binaries have been built for a few of the most popular platforms. This is thanks to the build support from Bacula Systems. We will start with a small number most popular binaries and over time expand it to include a broader base of OS releases. In this release is the Aligned driver plugin for the Storage daemon, which permits Bacula to write an archive volume that is properly aligned so that it can bee deduplicated by filesystems such as ZFS and NetApp.
Please note that the release format is with standard packaging using debs rpms, … that are specific to each system. However, unlike most Linux distributions, we install the Community Binaries into the directory /opt/bacula as recommended in the Bacula manual and as used by the Bacula Enterprise Edition. This Bacula file release standard is not uncommon and vastly simplifies installation, support, backup and recovery of Bacula itself. Basically, most of the release will be installed into /opt/bacula except for the few system files that must be placed in certain locations such as the start/stop scripts and the man text.
One change is that we ask you to register to get access to the binaries. This is very similar to signing up for the email lists. We have always been interested in who is using Bacula, and provided you supply correct information, this registration will help. You will be asked a few simple questions and also be given an opportunity to receive the Bacula Enterprise Newsletter. If you decline the newsletter, you will not be bothered. The advantage of getting the newsletter is you will be informed what is coming in the next Enterprise releases, which means that most of those features will follow into a subsequent community release.
To register and get access to Bacula pre-built binaries please go to www.bacula.org and on the main menu bar select Downloads -> Bacula Binary Package Download, then fill out the registration.
3. Windows Binaries
Since version 9.0.0, we have re-integrated the Windows File daemon source code, and built Windows Binaries packages. They can be found in www.bacula.org -> Downloads -> Binary Download Center. Version 9.0.8 binaries will be uploaded shortly.
4. Next Bacula Version
We have begun working on the next version of Bacula. It may be released as version 9.2.0 or possibly 11.0.0. The major part of this new release consists of backporting more Bacula Enterprise features — for example, getting the tray-monitor to build correctly as well as many performance improvements.
Thanks for using Bacula — be happy.
Kern
