Mozilla chairwoman defends Firefox rapid release cycle

Mozilla chairwoman Mitchell Baker has taken to the web to defend the recently implemented rapid release cycle for Firefox, promising to make the process smoother in the future.

Mozilla began the new release cycle, announced in February, with Firefox 6. Under the new system, the company aims to push new versions of the browser through two six-week Aurora and Beta development and testing phases before a final release build is made available.

Baker acknowledged that the system had raised "some new issues".

"For example, some enterprises find the idea of rapid browser change disconcerting at best and potentially unmanageable at worst. Add-on compatibility is another," she said in a blog post.

"I acknowledge that these issues are complex and difficult. There is work to be done to make the rapid release process smoother and hopefully more useful to more of our userbase."

However, Mitchell added that the rapid release system is worth sticking with for several reasons, most notably to keep up with the fast-moving pace of change on the internet.

"A browser is the delivery vehicle for the internet. And the internet moves very, very quickly," she said.

"Philosophically, I do not believe a product that moves at the speed of traditional desktop software can be effective at enabling an internet where things happen in real time."

Baker admitted, however, that enterprises find it a struggle to ensure that applications are compatible with the latest version of Firefox, while there are also potential compatibility issues for add-ons.

Baker promised to "listen carefully to those who are experiencing difficulties" and to find practical ways to alleviate any problems.

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