Red Hat shuts down access to Enterprise Linux source code?
Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2024 8:09 am
In recent weeks, the Linux landscape has been quite a mess following the announcement of Red Hat , a major vendor for the Linux operating system . The company is best known for developing RHEL ( Red Hat Enterprise Linux ), a distribution that focuses primarily on the needs of businesses and organizations.
The open source nature of Linux has in fact created over the years the ecosystem of so-called “ RHEL clones ”, distributions based on the RHEL source code. These reproductions attempt to replicate the same features and functionality, often offering a free or low-cost alternative for companies and users who want to use a similar operating system.
Notable RHEL clones include CentOS, Oracle Linux, Rocky Linux , and AlmaLinux . In particular, the CentOS project underwent a series of changes in 2021 with the debut of CentOS Stream, which denmark telegram phone number list some concerns about stability and reliability. These changes led to the emergence of a number of new RHEL-based distributions, including Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux.
At the end of June 2023, here is the announcement from Red Hat that could put an end to the era of clones: the company is in fact considering no longer making the source code of RHEL available .
The RHEL clones response
Oracle has publicly criticized Red Hat's intentions, claiming that they go against the ideals of open source, and has announced plans to build a repository that provides free and open Enterprise Linux source code. The project, in collaboration with CIQ and SUSE, is called the Open Enterprise Linux Association ( OpenELA ).
Rocky Linux has challenged the company's plan, reassuring users that it will continue to advance the distribution. AlmaLinux also says it is ready to guarantee the public maximum compatibility with RHEL, as much as possible. Rocky Linux is on the same wavelength, stressing its intention to remain " a fully compatible 1:1 alternative to RHEL ."
RHEL, for its part, has listened to feedback from the Linux ecosystem, ensuring that CentOS Stream will now be the sole repository for “public” RHEL source code releases. For Red Hat customers and partners, the source code will remain available through the customer portal, fulfilling the commitment to open source.
The open source nature of Linux has in fact created over the years the ecosystem of so-called “ RHEL clones ”, distributions based on the RHEL source code. These reproductions attempt to replicate the same features and functionality, often offering a free or low-cost alternative for companies and users who want to use a similar operating system.
Notable RHEL clones include CentOS, Oracle Linux, Rocky Linux , and AlmaLinux . In particular, the CentOS project underwent a series of changes in 2021 with the debut of CentOS Stream, which denmark telegram phone number list some concerns about stability and reliability. These changes led to the emergence of a number of new RHEL-based distributions, including Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux.
At the end of June 2023, here is the announcement from Red Hat that could put an end to the era of clones: the company is in fact considering no longer making the source code of RHEL available .
The RHEL clones response
Oracle has publicly criticized Red Hat's intentions, claiming that they go against the ideals of open source, and has announced plans to build a repository that provides free and open Enterprise Linux source code. The project, in collaboration with CIQ and SUSE, is called the Open Enterprise Linux Association ( OpenELA ).
Rocky Linux has challenged the company's plan, reassuring users that it will continue to advance the distribution. AlmaLinux also says it is ready to guarantee the public maximum compatibility with RHEL, as much as possible. Rocky Linux is on the same wavelength, stressing its intention to remain " a fully compatible 1:1 alternative to RHEL ."
RHEL, for its part, has listened to feedback from the Linux ecosystem, ensuring that CentOS Stream will now be the sole repository for “public” RHEL source code releases. For Red Hat customers and partners, the source code will remain available through the customer portal, fulfilling the commitment to open source.