With significant implications, three competitors of Red Hat are challenging its enterprise Linux through their fresh Open Enterprise Linux source code repository.
CIQ, Oracle, and SUSE have revealed plans to establish the Open Enterprise Linux Association (OpenELA). This collaborative trade association aims to foster the creation of distributions harmonising with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) by offering accessible and open-source Enterprise Linux (EL) source code.
The company said OpenELA’s emergence directly answers Red Hat’s recent RHEL source code access shifts. This fresh initiative introduces open-source methods for organisations to reach source code, emphasising community-driven development as a basis for compatible distributions. Arising from Red Hat’s changes, CIQ, Oracle, and SUSE unite to provide the community with source code, tools, and systems via OpenELA.
“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; 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,” said Thomas Di Giacomo, chief technology and product officer of SUSE.
“Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a new era for EL, with OpenELA, CIQ, Oracle, and SUSE joining forces with the open source community to ensure a stable and resilient future for both upstream and downstream communities to leverage Enterprise Linux”, said Gregory Kurtzer, CEO of CIQ.”
This release is set to provide vital sources that ensure compatibility with RHEL in downstream applications. The primary focus will be RHEL versions EL8, EL9, and potentially EL7. At the heart of this project is a steadfast dedication to granting continuous access to OpenELA’s sources for the community. This endeavour is grounded in core principles encompassing strict adherence to industry standards, a commitment to swift updates and secure fixes, an unwavering commitment to transparency, active community engagement, and preserving resource freedom and unrestricted redistribution. By extending an open invitation to other organisations and community members, OpenELA seeks to cultivate an environment of participation, aiming to forge a resilient, community-driven standard that fosters equilibrium within the EL ecosystem.
