[CentOS] Working with the upstream vendor

[Always Learning]

> Christopher Chan wrote:
> > 
> > Redhat has gone BEYOND the GPL. The GPL only requires that you make the 
> > source and build scripts available to those that you distribute to. Nor 
> > are you required to make the source/build scripts available for free. 
> > The fact that you can get your grubby hands on the source rpms without 
> > even downloading RHEL let alone use/install RHEL is testimony to the 
> > fact that Redhat does not need to and has never tried to undermine any 
> > would be enemy/competitor. Think about it.

1. Red Hat, commercially, has to survive as a financially viable entity.
Meaning it must make a profit.

2. Competitors especially large ones like Oracle potentially, if not
actually, threaten Red Hat's profit making ability. The potential or
actual damage to Red Hat's profits may be small but the more established
Oracle's Red Hat Linux becomes, the greater the financial damage to the
essential profit making ability of Red Hat. Reduced profits at Red Hat
can adversely affect Red Hat's operation and inevitably Centos will
suffer to our detriment.

3. Therefore, contrary to your assertion

" Redhat does not need to and has never tried to undermine any
" would be enemy/competitor. Think about it."

Red Hat must always consider how to "undermine any would be
enemy/competitor" because, ultimately, Red Hat's own survival depends on
exactly that type of action. No profits = No Red Hat.



-- 
With best regards,

Paul.
England,
EU.