In the sphere of Information Technology, an Operating System is fundamental. We can’t fathom the computing world without the various OSs that exist. Notably, a computer is non-functional without an Operating System, which makes this component the brain of your desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone and other devices. Numerous devices support different operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, MacOS, and ChromeOS. Linux is a common one, created and frequently improved by numerous developers. With technology innovation and brilliant professionals, Linux OS has grown exponentially, and individuals appreciate it due to its top-notch security, availability, free, open-source and flexibility. Let’s not forget that plenty of Linux distributions, otherwise known as distros, are created by assembling the source code or modifying existing distributions. From the high usage of Linux and advancement in tech, it is clear that change is inevitable, and the entire community is looking for excellent ways to enhance the features and leverage the benefits of the Linux OS. That’s why it is vital to consider the trending news on CIQ, SUSE and Oracle(OpenELA) versus Redhat RHEL.
What is RHEL’s New Rule?
RHEL(Red Hat Enterprise Linux ) has caused a storm brewing in the open-source world, triggering a massive change in the Linux distribution landscape. On June 21, 2023, RHEL announced that CentOS Stream would become the sole location of public RHEL-related source code releases. Note that CentOS Stream is upstream and the future of RHEL, whose aim is to become the next point release of RHEL. Before it, CentOS Linux dominated, and the likes of Rocky and Alma were the rebuilds of the same source code, which ensured perfect compatibility without the users paying Red Hat for running any of the rebuilds. The case is different with CentOS Stream since it is only available to the customers and partners who will access the RHEL sources from their portals according to the license and subscription agreement.
However, Red Hat is following the GPL terms, where they should make the source code available to those using the binaries built for them: the paying partners and customers. This is terrible news for the engineers and partners, customers, and communities with the downstream project that requires rebuilding the RHEL source code to create compatible Linux distributions. There have been outcries from the users of AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, Oracle Unbreakable Linux, EuroLinux and others who this news has taken aback. Since this announcement created a gap, competitors are ready to provide a better solution to the affected parties.
OpenELA as a solution to RedHat RHEL New Rule?
Changes made by Red Had regarding the availability of RHEL source code have led to the birth of OpenELA. Red Hat’s chief enterprise Linux competitors, including CIQ, Oracle, and SUSE, have collaborated and created this platform that encourages the development of distros compatible with RHEL(Red Hat Enterprise Linux) by providing free access to the source code. OpenELA is an open-source Enterprise Linux developers’ trade association that aims to ensure EL (Enterprise Linux) downstream distribution continuity. CIQ, Oracle, and SUSE collaboration assures that the binaries, source code and Linux distribution tools will be publicly and freely available through OpenELA.
CIQ, Oracle and SUSE have reinforced their intentions in various interviews, and you can have a look at some of their messages as we have listed below:
a) “Collaboration is critical to fostering innovation, which is why we welcome everyone to be part of this association and help us uphold open community standards,” Thomas Di Giacomo, chief technology and product officer of SUSE. Thomas continues, “SUSE is a strong believer in making choices happen. Together with the open source community, we will redefine what it truly means to be open and deliver a stronger future for EL.”
b) “Many large organizations reached out to us to express the importance of community-driven source code for EL that can act as a starting point for compatible distributions,” by Wim Coekaerts, head of Oracle Linux development, Oracle. He said, “OpenELA is our response to this need, and it represents a commitment to helping the open-source community continue to develop compatible EL distributions.”
c) “Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a new era for EL,” said Gregory Kurtzer, CEO of CIQ. “With OpenELA, CIQ, Oracle and SUSE join forces with the open source community to ensure a stable and resilient future for upstream and downstream communities to leverage Enterprise Linux.”
OpenELA’s Mission is to:
- Establish and make accessible the sources, tooling, and assets to all members, collaborators, and the open source Enterprise Linux distribution developers to create and maintain 1:1 downstream derivatives of EL
- Allow and encourage contributions and enhancements from the upstream community in the form of “extras.”
- Always act in the best interests of the open-source community and all downstream derivatives
- Create an inclusive community of organizations and individuals to ensure this project’s longevity, stability, and management.
Why is OpenELA a perfect alternative to Redhat RHEL?
Red Hat created a subscription wall that limited users from accessing the RHEL source code. Its decision has left a vacuum in the Linux distros landscape, and CIQ, Oracle, and SUSE are more than willing to fill it. 10 August 2023, the three, in a groundbreaking move, have announced the formation of the Open Enterprise Linux Association (OpenELA), which will spawn a reliable and compatible base where the RHEL alternatives can start. Later this year, OpenELA is committed to providing downstream compatibility sources with RHEL versions EL8, EL9 and possibly EL7. It has insisted on transparency access throughout the EL lifecycle without any limitations. OpenELA is welcoming organizations and Linux community members to join and contribute as it ensures impartiality, security and equilibrium in the Enterprise Linux ecosystem.
Final Thought
CIQ, SUSE and Oracle have provided an excellent response and solution to the Red Hat saga, which has locked out some of the Linux distros that relied on RHEL source code. OpenELA, as an answer to the troubled community, has empowered open-source software creation, development and distribution. Anyone can view, modify and utilize OpenELA using the upstream source licenses. Its tagline says it all “No subscriptions. No passwords. No barriers. Freeloaders welcome.” Red Hat vice president of core platforms Mike McGrath comments on OpenELA: “We have always welcomed ongoing contributions to the broader Linux community, whether personally motivated or from companies like Oracle and SUSE, that actually move enterprise-level Linux forward rather than replacing one logo with another.” With the support OpenELA is receiving, it will act as an excellent alternative to Redhat RHEL
