Is IBM-Red Hat Linux a scam?

Today's answers: Would you like to see an IBM Linux distribution, even with paid support?

Not just "no," but "Hell, no!" As it is, IBM is in a position to maintain a balance of power between RH and Novell. This is a Good Thing for all of us.

What would you pay for that support?

Market prices. RH levels seem to be in the right ballpark, although I expect that as the market matures the prices will come down.

Competition is a wonderful thing, no?

And do you think a requirement for a paid distribution violates the open source ethos?

If you don't want to pay for RH support, don't buy it. Not exactly rocket science.

As for the "free software with paid support" vs. "paid software with free support" distinction, the confusion is artificial. Keep in mind that the "free software without support" option is available. That pretty well destroys any attempt at symmetry.

I'd be astonished that people continue to present Red Hat Enterprise as non-free (as in libre) if it weren't so obvious that they do so because they have axes to grind. Admitting that you can get the Red Hat software (with Red Hat's blessing, no less) without paying for Red Hat support just doesn't make for the kind of story that plays these days, I guess.; Posted by: Yagotta B. Kidding Posted on: 04/15/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use