[Pytables-announce] Carabos Coop. V. is ceasing operations

[Francesc A. <fa...@ca...>]

Hello, list members,

Unfortunately, I have sad news for you: Carabos Coop. V. is ceasing
operations by May 1st, 2008.

During the past three years, we have tried very hard to produce
first-class software that is designed to operate in the most demanding
of environments.  While we have succeeded in meeting that goal
(although, as you are all well aware, it's a constantly moving
target), we haven't been so fortunate in creating a sustainable
business model to fund development.

Although we were very aware of the risks of creating a company around
a FLOSS model, we decided to go forward and started the cooperative
back in April 2005.  During our first few months of operation, Carabos
landed several contracts that made us optimistic for the future.
Unfortunately, after this initial promising start, not enough
contracts came in.  We were able to generate a bit more revenue by
selling proprietary front-ends and added features to the core
software, but not in sufficient quantity to cover our costs.

Having said this, we would like to reassure you that the Carabos crew
will continue to maintain and promote the software that we have
created on a best-effort basis.  In particular, Francesc Alted will
continue to support PyTables/PyTables Pro, with some help from Ivan
Vilata, while Vicent Mas will continue to support ViTables.

Our existing proprietary software will follow different paths.
PyTables Pro, the commercial counterpart of PyTables, will continue to
be run by Francesc Alted as an individual.  However, its current
liberation process will undergo significant changes (including a
revision of the prices); more info about this will be properly
announced on this list in the next few weeks.  Regarding ViTables, it
will become free software, as Vicent Mas will announce soon.

Finally, we want to thank everybody who has worked with Carabos all
these years, and let us say that it has been a great pleasure for us
to help you out.

Thank you!

The Carabos crew:
    Ivan Vilata (Member)
    Vicent Mas (Secretary)
    Francesc Alted (President)

-- 
>0,0<   Francesc Altet     http://www.carabos.com/
V   V   Cárabos Coop. V.   Enjoy Data
 "-"