Ubuntu Wiki

Kernel Package Upload Rights

The responsibility bestowed upon those able to upload the kernel to the Ubuntu archive is not taken lightly. One avenue for obtaining per package upload rights for the Ubuntu kernel is to become a member of the ubuntu-kernel-uploaders team in Launchpad. Members of this team are inducted only after a careful application and screening process. The sections below describe the general member profile of the ubuntu-kernel-uploaders team and the application and screening process.

Member Profile

Below is the general profile for those having per package upload rights for the Ubuntu kernel.

• are members of the ubuntu-kernel-uploaders Launchpad team

• generally have commit access to the git kernel repositories

• actively follows and participates in discussions and patch reviews on the Ubuntu kernel-team mailing list

• are collectively responsible for the maintenance of packages in the Ubuntu kernel package set for all supported releases as well as the development release
• have a strong working knowledge of packaging concepts and techniques, refined through experience
• have a strong working knowledge of Ubuntu project procedures, especially those related to the release process and support commitments, and an understanding of the reasons why they exist
• have a history of substantial direct contributions to the distribution and particularly the kernel related packages
• feel a sense of personal responsibility for the quality of Ubuntu releases and for the satisfaction of Ubuntu users
• exercise great care in their work, with the understanding that their efforts have a direct impact on others, including:
  • every Ubuntu user
  • the Ubuntu release team
  • corporate partners who provide support for Ubuntu

Applying for ubuntu-kernel-uploaders membership

As alluded to in the member profile above, membership consideration for the ubuntu-kernel-uploaders team adheres to a strict policy. Anyone considering applying should meet all of the criteria listed below:

1. Have a history of substantial direct contributions to the distribution and particularly the kernel related packages.
2. A thorough understanding of the Ubuntu kernel patch submission process
   1. Demonstrates understanding of this process by having had multiple patches accepted over a 6month development cycle for both supported kernels (ie SRU's/CVE's) as well as the current development kernel
3. A thorough understanding of the Ubuntu release cycle and associated milestone and freeze dates
4. A thorough understanding of the upstream kernel development cycle and how it impacts the Ubuntu kernel development cycle
5. Demonstrate chain of trust by having multiple sponsored kernel uploads over a 6month development cycle by various existing members of the ubuntu-kernel-uploaders team.

6. Actively participate in the weekly kernel team IRC meetings for a 6month development cycle.

If you are not an official ubuntu-kernel-uploaders member yet, but fulfill all of the criteria above, you are likely a promising candidate for joining the team. If you are interested in joining, please start by preparing your application. Please us the following template:

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Kernel/Dev/PPUApplicationTemplate

An example application can be seen below:

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LuisHenriques/PerPackageUploaderApplication

At least three existing members have to confirm that they have worked enough with you to judge your skills and that you meet the criteria above. Usually these three people are your sponsors.

Once your application has been prepared and you are ready to be screened, please send an email to the Ubuntu kernel-team mailing list requesting your application be reviewed. Then schedule an agenda slot at an upcoming kernel team IRC meeting where you will be interviewed and a vote regarding your membership will be taken. Only existing members of the ubuntu-kernel-uploaders team are allowed to vote. An applicant must receive a minimum of 3 Ack's in order to be inducted into the team.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the application process, an announcement will be made to both the Ubuntu kernel-team and devel-permissions mailing lists you will be added to the team.