One big problem with SERi [1] has been the complexity of the SER configuration language. Only apache (httpd) can (almost) compare in the flexibility and number of ways a piece of software can be configured. This has resulted in a pretty steep learning curve for beginners. SIP can be used for an increasing number of applications and each deployment has its own, specific needs. Thus, SER's configuration language must be powerful.

The professional SER user has other issues, like maintaining multiple configurations across server farms and setups, sharing some code, but still needing individual tailoring to each server. '

The new SER buildsystem is meant to be a tool for both groups as it includes the SER - Getting Started configuration files as starting points for beginners and allows experts to organize shared and individual code in a systematic way without taking away control.

This release of the SER configuration buildsystem is a preview with almost everything in place. There is only one SER - Getting Started configuration file included: Hello World, but a configuration script alllows interactive generation of a fully working SER configuration in a few steps. (To semi-experts: The 'hook' mechanism mentioned in the documentation to mix own code and your own modifications is still not in place.)

Take a look [2] and send questions, ideas, comments, and bugs to serusers or serdev mailing lists!