Apache Karaf 2.1.5 Released!

After several attempts again to update the new Scalate based web site (dang its picky rendering tables, links), the Karaf team is pleased to announce the availability of Apache Karaf 2.1.5.

This release of Apache Karaf is based off of the 2.1.x series branch, representing an update to Apache Karaf 2.1.4. It contains several bug fixes identified in the prior release, including; improved Eclipse console karaf shell output, handling TAB characters in feature repository to avoid resoultion errors when adding features to repo, and multiple fixes to the config shell. IMPORTANT: This patch release also updates the Felix Framework from version 3.0.2 to 3.0.9.

To help make the transition from Apache Karaf 2.1.0/2.1.1/2.1.2/2.1.3/2.1.4 to 2.1.5 easier I've put together the following table of changed dependencies:

Karaf Version	2.1.0	2.1.1	2.1.2	2.1.3	2.1.4	2.1.5
jetty.bundle.version	6.1.22_2	6.1.25_1	6.1.25_1	6.1.25_1	6.1.25_1	6.1.25_1
junit.bundle.version	4.7_1	4.7_2	4.7_2	4.7_2	4.7_2	4.7_2
slf4j.version	1.4.3	1.4.3	1.4.3	1.5.8	1.5.8	1.5.8
spring.version*	3.0.3	3.0.4	3.0.4	3.0.5	3.0.5	3.0.5
pax.exam.version	1.2.2	1.2.2	1.2.2	1.2.3	1.2.3	1.2.3
pax.url.version	1.1.3	1.1.3	1.2.1	1.2.4	1.2.4	1.2.4
pax.web.version	0.7.3	0.7.3	0.7.4	0.7.4	0.7.4	0.7.4
felix framework	3.0.2	3.0.2	3.0.2	3.0.2	3.0.2	3.0.9

*RELEASE version

For more information please see the release notes.

As discussed in my prior Apache Karaf 2.1.5 preparation post, I enjoyed listening to The Novaks through out the release process and was delighted to try the Jacob's Creek Merlot once the release was out. Now that my carafe is freshly emptied, I'm looking towards Karaf 2.2.1 and decanting a bottle of Carpineto Chianti Castaldo 2008 :)

It's decanting time; Apache Karaf 2.1.5 RC is up for voting :)

It's decanting time!

Apache Karaf 2.1.5 release candidate is up for voting as of now. This update of Apache Karaf is based off of the 2.1.x series branch, representing an update to Apache Karaf 2.1.4. It contains several bug fixes identified in the prior releases, including; improved Eclipse console karaf shell output, handling TAB characters in feature repository to avoid resolution errors when adding features to repo, and multiple fixes to the config shell. As a head's up, this patch also updates the Felix Framework from version 3.0.2 to 3.0.9.

As alluded to in my previous Karaf 2.1.5 planning post, I've queued up several albums by the Novaks, and started to decant my bottle of Jacob's Creek Merlot 2007. While I'm waiting for the release candidate process I've decided to get some baking out of the way:

Yes, the RC build was made on a macbook, sitting on top of 36 bottles of Pinot Grigio.  On the stove top you can see the beginnings of my casserole.

Broccoli, covered in a mixture of Mushroom soup & Mayonnaise,  Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, and butter sautéed soda cracker crumbs.

More Bacon to finish.

 The next 72 hours I'll be monitoring the RC vote, so until we know the results I'll be enjoying some comfort food, and listening to great music, while waiting to sample the decanted wine (will only sample it once the vote is passed). Best release management role ever? Definitely must be one of the better release processes :)

Reasons to attend Security BSides St John's 2011 (part 2)

So you've heard about the Security BSides St John's 2011 event and wonder if you'll sign up to attend? Well if you do you'll be able to take in a variety of information security talks from leaders in the field, while  having the opportunity to meet other information security practitioners, and researchers. In this week's 'Reasons to attend Security BSides St John's 2011' I'm highlighting Ajay Sood's talk entitled "Modern Malware Exposed!":

Modern Malware Exposed!
Ajay K. Sood, Territory Manager for FireEye.

The evolution of malware has yielded some shocking results. Sophisticated botnets like Zeus/ZBOT have infiltrated numerous secure zones and established communication channels globally, giving botnet herders unprecedented access to systems and data which should be protected, were it not for the fact that these compromises are going largely unnoticed, despite current controls in place. The latest strains of modern malware have been architected to exploit stealthily via the browser and application, and leverage approved communication methods and channels to call back, which make solving the malware question all the more daunting. This presentation will take a look at the trend of modern malware, and what the challenges surrounding it are.

Preparing for Apache Karaf 2.1.5

The fifth maintenance release of the Apache Karaf 2.1.x branch has moved into the planning phase, as such I'm starting to prepare for the release management role.

Preparing for the Apache Karaf 2.1.5 release.

To prepare I've selected a bottle of Jacob's Creek Merlot 2007 to decant while listening to The Novaks' latest album Things Fall Apart. I'll also be watching them live too, hopefully during the release candidate build process. I really have to thank our community of contributors, they allow me to enjoy this process on a regular basis - you all rock :)

The wine, as always, will only be sampled after being given proper time to breath in its container - much like our RC will only be promoted after proper attentions have been made (see our release guide for more details on our process).

Unfortunately I can't share the wine with you, but I can share the below link to a track from Things Fall Apart.

I'm looking forward to starting the 2.1.5 release process. I'll be posting updates to our Twitter stream (#karaf) and on our IRC channel (irc.codehaus.org #karaf).

Reasons to attend Security BSides St John's 2011 (part 1)

So you've heard about the Security BSides St John's 2011 event and wonder if you'll sign up to attend? Well if you do you'll be able to take in a variety of information security talks from leaders in the field, while  having the opportunity to meet other information security practitioners, and researchers. In this week's 'Reasons to attend Security BSides St John's 2011' I'm highlighting Kellman Meghu's talk entitled "Virtually Safe?":

Virtually Safe?
Kellman Meghu, Security Engineering Manager for Check Point Canada.

Is your organization moving towards virtualization? The push for greener solutions that do more with less, has made people take a hard look at a virtualization strategy for managing infrastructure. Multi-core architectures have brought a new level of power to the end users, but without the software being specifically designed to take full advantage of it, there is no perceivable benefit coming from these systems. This presentation seeks to demonstrate unique ways to not just ensure threat management for a virtual infrastructure, but to also leverage it as part of the infrastructure change. When you take away the buzz, and the clouds abate, will you be left with clear skies?

Security B-Sides St John's Posters!

Security B-Sides St John's posters have started popping up around town. If you've seen them in your office (awesome!) or haven't (gasp!) then please leave a comment in the space below. We'll see if we can get you a copy to display in your offices' kitchen or coffee area :)

Preparing for Apache Karaf 2.2.1

The first maintenance release of the Apache Karaf 2.2.x branch has moved into the planning phase, as such I'm starting to prepare for the release management role.

Preparing for the up coming Apache Karaf 2.2.1 maintenance release.

To prepare I've selected a bottle of Carpineto Chianti Castaldo 2008 to decant while listening to Hey Rosseta! 's new album Seeds. If your release manager doesn't have things this nice as a release process then I pity them ;)

The wine will of course only be sampled after being gave proper time to breath in its container, after the first release candidate has be up loaded for voting (see our release guide for more details on our process).

Unfortunately I can't share the wine with you, but I can share the below link to a track from Seeds.

I'm looking forward to starting the 2.2.1 release process. I'll be posting updates to our Twitter stream (#karaf) and on our IRC channel (irc.codehaus.org #karaf).

BSides St John's 2011 Logo and Slogan unveiled.

The logo and slogan for the Security BSides St John's 2011 event has been unveiled:

Steering you through the Security Fog

I'm maintaining a mirror of the event page information for those whom can not regularly access the BSides site. The event date has been changed to June 10th, 2011, so please re-check your plans for attending - it's bound to be a great time so register via Eventbrite today! (see event page for registration link)