To be fair, the transfer from Cebtos8 to Alma couldn’t have been easier. Just ran a script to update the RPM sources and a dnf update and we were done.
Moving to a different distro with different package managers and filesystem layout is a whole other level of hurt.
I don’t think this will be viable for the people who really are looking for direct RHEL compatibility, but lots of people like me just use the basic structure of RHEL because we’re familiar with the config locations and tooling, and we like the stability over time. If Alma can replicate that aspect then it’s still good for me even if they’re not bug for bug compatible. Rocky still seem to be going for 100% compatibility and I think that will be harder to maintain over time if RedHat actively fight it.
The legal loophole RedHat found I’m guessing is something that might trigger GPLv4 to stop this behaviour (effectively punishing someone for exercising their GPL rights).
You’re right that most use of OSS doesn’t involve modification so it doesn’t really matter, but packaging changes are still useful.
I know Stallman was the strongest advocate of the GPL but personally I like the principle of reciprocity which it enshrines. For all of their contributions it’s important to realise that companies like RedHat are very much building on the work of OSS developers.
It’s a bit more than that unfortunately. Changes in conf file location, selinux Vs apparmour etc. There are a lot of little things which can catch you out if you’re building something relatively complex.
I’m still in two minds about this. We have a lot of infrastructure build on RHEL rebuilds and there’s no way we’re buying enough RHEL licenses to cover it.
I can look at Devian based alternatives but switching is going to be a time consuming process. If Alma and Rocky get this figured out then I’m still tempted to stick where I am. These distributions have been very stable, and I don’t need support for them. Even if RedHat don’t like this I’m fine with doing it on the basis that they have an obligation to release the source (at least for GPL code).
I’m always amazed that any foreign government handling sensitive information or dealing with defence would consider using windows. Linux has been competent for all common tasks for a long time now and won’t hold any hidden surprises.