Re: Options for Enterprise RH (Was: Have Enterprise via SRPM for free?)

[Ed Wilts <ewilts ewilts org>]

On Thu, May 01, 2003 at 09:59:47AM -0600, Eric Sisler wrote:
> On Wed, 2003-04-30 at 14:26, scott.list wrote:
> 
> > What would be the difference except support from having a "real"
> > enterprise version?  That is, wouldn't this "quasi" enterprise version
> > be just like the real thing except for having to make the SRPMS? and
> > this "quasi enterprise" version be as current/secure as the "real"
> > version?
> 
> While we're on this topic, what are others on this list
> doing/considering?

I've got a purchase requisition in for 9 copies of ES for work.  My home
systems are running traditional RHL releases (7.1 and 9).

> I'm interested in the longer release time/RPM updates available with the
> Enterprise line, but probably can't justify the cost.  Obviously moving
> to another distro is always an option, but I'm trying to avoid that.

You won't find long-term multi-year errata support from any distro right
now without paying some fees.  Even if you do find this, are they still
going to be around 3 years from now when you need them?
 
> I'm wondering if I could do something like purchase one copy of RH
> Enterprise & install it on multiple servers.  

This is a violation of your support agreement.  You can not copy the
patches to multiple servers.

Naturally I wouldn't
> expect to receive support on more than just one server, but other than
> updated RPM's I really don't need "official" support anyway.  I'd even
> be willing to consider purchasing subscriptions to RHN for the extra
> servers if necessary.

That option is available today.  The ES $349/year option is basically
RHEN and not much else.  I do not know what quantity discounts (if any)
are available.
 
> Has anyone tried this tack with RH?  Different/better solutions are also
> welcome - I'm not particularly looking forward to the prospect of
> upgrading my servers once a year.

You can't have it both ways.  Producing errata for an older release
takes effort.  It's one thing to expect the open source community to
produce new features and get around to bugfixes when they have time,
it's totally another to fix a remotely-exploitable security hole on a
moment's notice.  

Upgrade annually, pay a fee, or take your chances.  Take your pick.

-- 
Ed Wilts, Mounds View, MN, USA
mailto:ewilts ewilts org
Member #1, Red Hat Community Ambassador Program