[Gllug] Discussion: Is Enterprise Linux a lock-in

[Simon Morris]

Read a good trade-rag yesterday with an article about Enterprise Linux and
I'd be interested to hear the lists comments.

Some of the points raised in the article.

1. RMS suggested that "all the companies that distribute GNU\Linux also
distribute non-free software, which is unethical. Some even develop
non-free software which is worse"

2. There was a suggestion in the article that the large recruitment of OSS
developers by Linux vendors had drawbacks:

"A drawback of direct commercial involvement [in Linux] is clear.
Developers who are based within corporations are unlikely to support a
project that is run by another competitor unless there is material benefit"

3. The cost of deploying "Enterprise Linux" distributions (RH, SuSE) is too
high. Bruce Perens quoted: "The very aspects that made Linux desirable are
under attack by Linux vendors bent on increasing shareholder value"
Organisations are paying more and more for Linux as distributors demand a
per seat cost and a service lock-in that withdraws support if the customer
alters the source code

The magazine was Jan 2004 Information Age

Discuss :-)

SM

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