Here are answers to some common questions about PythonLabs.

Why did you join BeOpen.com?
Python is growing at "internet speed," and we felt it requires a organization with a more commercial focus and a clearer commitment to Python development to maintain that growth. BeOpen.com with its open source community focus and interest in facilitating next generation application development is a natural fit.

Will Python remain Open Source?
Yes! Python will continue to be Open Source. BeOpen.com is fully devoted to open source software and will continue to distribute all Python releases, as well as all other PythonLabs work, under open source licenses.

How will this affect source code access for developers?
The Python CVS tree is hosted by SourceForge. We have given fourteen developers checkin priveleges so far.

How can I contribute to Python?
Trusted outside developers will be able to check in changes directly; for others, there will be a mailing address to submit patches, just like the current situation. We are using SourceForge to manage patch submissions.

What will happen to the PSA (Python Software Activity)?
CNRI, which manages the existing PSA, will determine its future at the end of the current membership term, October 1.

What will happen to the Python Consortium?
The consortium fulfills an important need as an organization for industry to affect Python's direction. CNRI will continue to host the consortium, BeOpen.com will continue as a member and Guido van Rossum will continue as its Technical Director.

What will happen to the python.org website?
For the time being, it will be operated by CNRI as before, and we will keep it up to date remotely. While we may be placing some tasteful sponsorships links, we will not turn it into an orgy of banner ads! The PythonLabs.com site will become the primary site for core language development.

What will happen to the Python Conferences?
Foretec is as excited as ever to organize the next conference. We expect that it will be in January in a warm place. (We've had enough surprise city-crippling snow storms for the millennium. :-)

What is happening to the Python 1.6 release?
We plan to release the first beta on July 1. See the Python 1.6 status page for more information.

What is happening to CP4E (Computer Programming for Everybody)?
We love this project and are looking for industry sponsors to help us expand this multi-disciplinary work to include educators and usability experts. Contact sponsor@beopen.com if you are interested.

Are the CP4E materials available yet?
Not yet. However, you can get IDLE from the IDLE home page; and check out the EDU-SIG home page for alternative course materials using Python.

Where is your new office?
We're in temporary space, looking for an office location in the Reston, VA area; if you know of any that would hold up to 10 geeks, e-mail michelle@beopen.com.

How do we get in touch with you?
For all your questions about PythonLabs, write to pythonlabs-info@beopen.com. General BeOpen.com contact information is here. Press: please contact mediarelations@beopen.com; business interests: please contact sales@beopen.com. For technical questions about Python, please write to help@python.org as always.