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We currently don't have an exact timeframe for this work to be complete. We fully expect it will be spread out through several releases of DSpace software.
As stated, DuraSpace does not have the technical staff to do this work alone, nor would we want to. As with any open source development initiative, the commitment and support of the broader community will build a better 'end product', than if one institution were to implement it on their own. We are currently looking for DSpace and Fedora community volunteers to help make this initiative happen.
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In fact, this work has already begun through various projects & initiatives over the last few years. This DuraSpace recommendation is just serving to formalize our support of this effort and broaden community interest in the endeavor. Although they've been mentioned elsewhere already, here are several ongoing and past projects which relate to this initiative:
- DSpace 2.0 prototype work – provided a basis for modularizing DSpace, allowing it to support different storage layers (like Fedora)
- GSoC 2008 - Fedora Integration Project - An initial implementation of a prototype Fedora storage layer for DSpace 1.x
- GSoC 2009 - Fedora Integration Project - An improved implementation of a prototype Fedora storage layer for DSpace 2.x
- GSoC 2010 - DSpace 2.x Storage Services to 1.x - A new effort to backport the DSpace 2.x storage layer to DSpace 1.x. This may enable one of the above Fedora Integration projects to be utilized with DSpace 1.x.
- AipBackupRestorePrototype - An effort to allow DSpace to export and import AIPs (Archival Information Packages). These AIPs could provide an easier upgrade path from one underlying data model to another.
Will new features (or bug fixes) be put on hold until Fedora is integrated with DSpace?
No. We do not want this initiative to hinder the current development process. Upcoming releases of DSpace software will continue to include new features and resolve bugs/issues. Chances are much of the code changes coming out of this initiative will be rolled out over several releases (some may even be behind-the-scenes changes that you won't even notice).
Think of this initiative as a separately organized effort, whose end goal is better collaboration between the communities and better integration between the software. DSpace software itself will continue to improve and change as this effort goes along. We fully expect there to be several releases of DSpace software before we are able to release a DSpace with "Fedora Inside".
How can I help? How do I volunteer?
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