2017/12/01 - Apache ACE has been retired.
For more information, please explore the Attic.
Apache ACE is a software distribution framework that allows you to centrally manage and distribute software components, configuration data and other artifacts to target systems. It is built using OSGi and can be deployed in different topologies. The target systems are usually also OSGi based, but don't have to be.
Apache ACE is an Apache project, and as such is part of a larger community of users and developers.
# Background
When assembling software out of reusable components, the task of deploying software onto an ever increasing number of targets is not trivial to solve. This becomes even harder when these targets require different components based on who's using them.
Apache ACE allows you to group those components and assign them to a managed set of targets. This allows you to distribute updates and new components easily, while keeping a full history of what was installed where during what period. It also helps you setup an automated development, QA/testing, staging and production environment.
If you want to learn more about how to use Apache ACE, go to the Documentation and start with [getting started in 5 minutes](/docs/getting-started-5-mins.html). If you are interested in becoming involved, check out our [Mailing Lists](/get-involved/mailing-lists.html) and finally, to gain a deeper understanding of the software, read the available [Developer Documentation](/docs/setup-dev-environment.html) which explains how to build the software and the overall [Software Architecture](/docs/architecture.html).
# Introduction