NetBeans is in the process of being released as a project governed by the Apache Software Foundation.

https://netbeans.org/community/apache-incubator.html

What are the reasons for this and what does this mean?

Read all about it here, join in, and participate:

https://wiki.apache.org/incubator/NetBeansProposal

What needs to happen before NetBeans is released?

Read all about it here, join in, and participate:

https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/NETBEANS/List+of+Modules+to+Review

Releases:

• November 2017: Apache NetBeans (incubating) 9.0 Alpha
  
  
• Coming soon: Apache NetBeans (incubating) 9.0 Beta

Important Links:

• http://incubator.apache.org/projects/netbeans.html
  
  
• https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/NETBEANS/How+to+Participate
  
  
• https://netbeans.apache.org/
  
  
• https://jaxenter.com/netbeans/using-apache-netbeans-incubating-jdk-9
  
  
• https://blogs.apache.org/netbeans/