[KLUG Members] Redhat Advanced Server

[Bruce Smith]

> >> > > I realized that RH needs to make a profit.  The business users
> >> should pay.  But, as a simple home user, I want free updates/bug
> >> fixes.
> I just received an email about RHN and up2date from Redhat. They will be
> keeping the Demo accounts for existing and new users, however you must
> complete a survey every 60 days, and keep confirming your email address.
> 
> Here is a comparison on the up2date service
> https://rhn.redhat.com/preview/index.pxt

I see there is a new article/commentary on the subject here:

  http://newsforge.com/article.pl?sid=03/03/03/138248&tid=3

> > I don't mind paying big bucks for one copy of RH Advanced Server, but
> > I want to be able to install it multiple times, and provide
> > my own service, and manually do my own updating.  Is that legal?
> >
> > THAT is the question I'm most interested in having answered.
> An excerpt from the page at
> http://www.redhat.com/software/whichlinux.html
> 
> ... Advanced Server is sold through a one-year subscription and it does
> have a licensing agreement. But before you mention the "p"-word
> ("proprietary"), understand that the code is open and protected by the GPL
> license. It's not proprietary. We're licensing the services, not the
> software. The source code files can be downloaded by anyone, and you still
> have the right to use the software after the license and services expire.
> 
> You're simply paying for the value Red Hat adds: The enterprise
> enhancements, the ISV and IHV certification, the support services included
> with the product, and the security and software updates through Red Hat
> Network...
> 
> I don't see anywhere on the site (or a Google) that specifically addresses
> the number (or limit) of machines you can install on.

Thanks.  It sounds promising!

However, before I spend the kind of money they want for the Advanced
Server product, I should probably get a definitive answer direct from
Redhat.  I don't want to chance it.

Here's a strange one . . .  
This web page lists the options available for Advanced server: 
  http://www.redhat.com/software/advancedserver/subscriptions/

There are three different options, that only appear to differ by the
price and the level of support that comes with the product.

The actual "Product Contents" appear to be identical on all three
options.  So, how can they be "out of stock" on the cheapest priced
option, and have the two most expensive options available?  Especially
if the only difference is post-sales support?  The actual package they
ship out for all three is the same!

--------------------------------------------
Bruce Smith                bruce@armintl.com
System Administrator / Network Administrator
Armstrong International, Inc.
Three Rivers, Michigan  49093  USA
http://www.armstrong-intl.com/
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