[plug] Red Hat ending it consumer distribution

[Jon Miller]

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On Mon, 2003-12-29 at 19:44, Jon Miller wrote:
> I would like to get members viewpoint on a trend I see developing and it
> could spell the end to "free Open Source software" as Linux is moving
> into the mainstream market and business starts adapting Linux, does this
> mean that others will be following suit? 
> Let's face it companies like Novell who is buying SUSE and bought Ximian
> will not be giving these products away. They will be either bundled with
> their existing products or one may have to purchase it outright.  Any
> word from the Debian, Mandrake and other distro camps on their future?
> Unlike M$ who is out the bad mouthing Linux, there are those that can
> see it's market value and if possible buy it and incorporate it into
> their own market place and this makes it difficult to decide if one
> should stay with the company own product or go with the Linux version.
> 
> For instance I initially started with Novell back in the early 80's and
> because it's products are solid I stayed with it.  Up until 5 yrs ago I
> was using it's BorderManager to handle the gateway issues, yes it was
> good and solid, but it's cost was too expensive for the SME I support. 
> Looking for another method I soon came across Linux (RedHat, then Debian
> then back to RedHat).  This solved two (2) issues with the single
> software, solid and reliable service and cost reduction (hardware and
> installation and software).  So I didn't have to purchase two (2) copies
> of Windows NT (since I always recommend a 2-box solution for networks)
> or Novell's extra licenses to solve the problem and I could use a old in
> the corner box that was being decommissioned. 
> Now with RedHat going "mainstream" and charging for it's software, SME
> will be back where it all began.
> 
> For those old enough to remember when MS first came on the scene Support
> was "free".  It's called in the states "hook-line-and-sink".
-- 
Jon Miller <jlmiller at mmtnetworks.com.au>
MMT Networks Pty Ltd