Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/09/rocky_linux_from_ciq/
Source: The Register
Title: CIQ takes Rocky Linux corporate with $25K price tag
Feedly Summary: Backs RHEL-compatible distro with indemnification and update guarantees
CIQ has unveiled a version of Rocky Linux backed by service level objectives and indemnities for enterprises requiring more than the support of an enthusiastic community behind an operating system.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: CIQ has launched Rocky Linux from CIQ (RLC), an enterprise-grade operating system that combines the community-driven values of Rocky Linux with critical service level objectives (SLOs), legal indemnities, and supply chain validation aimed at enterprise security and compliance. This move addresses the growing need among organizations for accountability and protection in open-source software distributions amid shifting enterprise Linux landscapes.
Detailed Description:
CIQ’s introduction of Rocky Linux from CIQ (RLC) is a noteworthy development in the enterprise Linux ecosystem, providing businesses with a robust alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and CentOS. As organizations increasingly rely on open-source solutions, the need for contractual guarantees and comprehensive support mechanisms becomes essential for maintaining security and compliance.
Key points of this development include:
– **Service Level Objectives (SLOs)**: RLC offers SLOs for Critical Vulnerability and Exposure (CVE) remediation, ensuring timely security updates that are crucial for enterprise stability against cyber threats.
– **Legal Indemnification**: The inclusion of legal protections against infringement claims related to open-source software strengthens confidence among enterprises utilizing RLC.
– **Supply Chain Validation**: This feature ensures that software packages are secure and trustworthy, addressing concerns about software vulnerabilities that may emerge from the supply chain.
– **Compatibility and Community Roots**: RLC maintains compatibility with RHEL and honors its origins in the Rocky Linux community while providing enterprise-grade support and assurances.
– **Market Response to Red Hat’s Decisions**: The creation of RLC is a direct response to Red Hat’s controversial shift in support strategies, particularly regarding CentOS and RHEL source code access. This fragmentation has led to a demand for new solutions catering to enterprise needs.
– **Options for Enterprises**: Other RHEL-compatible distributions, such as AlmaLinux, are mentioned, highlighting the competitive landscape and the varying levels of support available to organizations.
This development not only reflects a shift in the enterprise Linux market but also underscores the rising importance of legal and compliance factors in the adoption of open-source technologies. For security and compliance professionals, the launch of RLC signifies a growing trend toward enterprise-ready solutions that facilitate risk management and support compliance with regulatory requirements. As the landscape evolves, organizations will need to evaluate their options carefully, weighing community-driven solutions against the need for robust commercial support.