Re: Time to scale up?

[Paul Ramsey <pramsey(at)refractions(dot)net>]

Marc G. Fournier wrote:

> Actually, using the 'kernel vs add ons' metaphor, it would make more 
> sense to make a series of smaller 'distributions', tailored to specific 
> markets ... ie. a Java distribution that includes JDBC+PL/Java, but 
> doesn't include the other PLs ... or a Ruby package that includes the 
> Ruby interface and pl/ruby ... or a ... etc ...
>
> Not one distribution for all tastes, but individual distributions 
> tailored to specific groups / programmers ...

Spoken like a true programmer. :)

I have been amazed by the power of the simple optimization rule "remove 
barriers to entry", and how it has worked.  The Windows port of PgSQL 
and associated installer (itself a "distribution" in the kernel-metaphor 
sense, only carried on the main PostgreSQL site) has had a huge affect 
on PostGIS usage, so I assume the same holds true for PgSQL in general.

But such an approach (one size fits all, click the big green button for 
download) is basically the diametric opposite of what you suggest.

P