CTAN (Comprehensive TeX Archive Network)
Business Profile
Core Value Proposition
CTAN provides a central repository and distribution network for TeX-related materials, enabling search, download, and contribution of TeX packages.
Target Customer
TeX/LaTeX users, authors, publishers, researchers and educators who work with TeX typesetting.
Key Differentiator
A large, community-driven central hub with thousands of packages (6823) and active monthly uploads, plus integrated search, browsing, and contribution workflows, including DVD distribution and dedicated user groups.
Implementation Timeline
Immediate access to downloads and ready-to-run TeX systems; ongoing updates with monthly uploads
Pain Points
- 1Finding and managing TeX packages across multiple sources.
- 2Manual distribution and installation of TeX tools across platforms.
- 3Keeping up with new or updated TeX packages.
Key Features
- 1Full-text search across package descriptions, documentation, and contributors
- 2Browse CTAN by archive, packages, topics, and contributors
- 3Upload contributions via a web form
- 4Access to ready-to-run TeX systems for multiple platforms (TeX Live, MacTeX)
- 5CTAN announcements and activity monitoring (e.g., 100+ uploads per month)
Target Customer Industries
Client Results
- 1Immediate access to TeX packages through download
- 2Rapid setup with ready-to-run TeX systems
- 3Active community contributions and updates
Competitive Advantages
- 1Centralized repository for TeX materials, reducing fragmentation
- 2Active community with frequent updates (100+ uploads/month)
- 3Supports both web distribution and DVD mirrors
- 4Ecosystem of user groups (e.g., TUG, DANTE) that foster engagement
Key Benefits
Additional Product Information
Product Description
CTAN is the central repository for TeX materials, offering search, browse, and upload capabilities, hosting thousands of packages from thousands of contributors, with ready-to-run TeX systems and monthly updates.
Target Market
TeX/LaTeX users, authors, publishers, and researchers working with TeX typesetting
Unique Value Proposition
A centralized, community-driven hub for TeX resources with extensive package coverage, robust search and browsing, ready-to-run systems, and multiple distribution channels (web and DVD).
Technical Requirements
Some features require JavaScript; skins are cookie-based and browser-specific; CTAN supports multiple browsers and requires enabling JavaScript for full functionality.
Pricing Model
Most packages are free to download and use.
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