There are four main goals of this SIG:
First, break down changes in the Stream version 4.18.0 kernel into individual patches. When possible, document the source the patch is from and the purpose of the patch. Moving forward also document which Stream kernel package revision introduced the patch.
Second, build CentOS Plus kernel for Stream.
Third, package newer LTS kernels during the LTS lifespan. These would be available as alternative kernels for Stream similar to the CentOS Plus kernel.
Fourth, work on tools for better delivery of live security patches to be applied via kpatch.
The reasoning for this SIG is to improve the openness of kernels available through Stream.
Normally a distribution upstream would have access to which patch or commit each addition to the kernel belongs to. The patch name or commit comment would also give information as to the purpose of the patch. Stream's kernel reports to be 4.18.0 but uses a tar that is 110% the size of a true 4.18.0 tar. A breakdown of the additional 10% is not provided. Hence Stream's kernel still functions similar to a downstream rather than providing what is expected for a successful upstream project.
This SIG would help close the kernel openness gap by documenting the changes. Stream users would then be in a better position to track down individual patches that cause regressions or bugs.
This SIG would also help smooth the adoption of Stream for users that depend on CentOS Plus kernel features.
Next, this SIG should help improve feedback to the LTS kernel developers. Tracking LTS kernel changes may also help with documenting some changes in the primary Stream kernel.
Lastly, this SIG should help improve kernel security by promoting methods to enable kernel security updates even when a reboot of the system is not possible.