Red Hat's Betrayal: The Demise of CentOS and the GPL License Controversy

Two years ago, Red Hat's controversial decision to end support for CentOS, a widely-used free version of their Enterprise Linux distribution, shocked the open-source community. This move labeled CentOS users, including myself, as 'freeloaders' by some, as they were accused of benefiting from Red Hat's work without giving back. While many open-source developers and software developers relied on CentOS for testing and building their software, Red Hat's decision sparked anger and disappointment. Recently, Red Hat has taken another contentious step by putting its source code behind a paywall, potentially violating the terms of the GPL license Linux uses. This article explores the implications of Red Hat's actions, the community's responses, and the potential impact on downstream distributions and open-source projects.

The Fallout from CentOS's Demise

When Red Hat discontinued CentOS, it left the community scrambling to find alternatives. Many users felt betrayed, as CentOS had been a reliable platform for their open-source work. However, amidst the turmoil, some positive developments emerged, helping to mitigate the impact of CentOS's demise.

• Red Hatters Reached Out: While the initial blow was severe, some Red Hat employees showed empathy and willingness to improve. They reached out to the community and asked how they could do better, providing a glimmer of hope for reconciliation.
• Rocky and AlmaLinux Emerged: The departure of CentOS gave rise to Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux, both aiming to fill the void created by CentOS's departure. These distributions sought to offer stability and continuity for developers working within the Red Hat ecosystem.

The GPL License Controversy

Red Hat's decision to hide its source code behind a paywall has raised concerns about its adherence to the GPL license, which governs the usage of Linux and many other open-source projects. The GPL requires that modifications and enhancements made to open-source software must be shared with the community. However, Red Hat's paywall approach seemingly restricts this fundamental principle of open-source development.

• Legal Implications: While Red Hat's actions may be technically legal under the GPL, they are perceived as discourteous and frustrating by many members of the open-source community. Some argue that the current subscription agreement, which allows Red Hat to cancel accounts for redistributing the source code, might cross legal boundaries.
• Potential Rivalry with Oracle: Red Hat's strategy may provoke a clash with Oracle, another major player in the Linux ecosystem. Oracle might challenge Red Hat's approach, given their long-standing rivalry in the enterprise Linux market.

Red Hat's Evolving Identity

Red Hat's recent decisions have significantly altered its image in the open-source world. Once known as the \"open source company,\" Red Hat has lost some of the goodwill it earned over the years.

• Drifting from Open Source Ideals: Red Hat's move to put up barriers around its source code contradicts its historical commitment to open-source principles. The community perceives this as a shift from being a champion of open-source to being more focused on profit-making.
• Potential Long-Term Impact: While Red Hat's actions might yield short-term profits, they risk alienating the open-source community in the long run. The loss of trust and support from developers could have detrimental effects on Red Hat's position in the market.

The Path Forward

Despite the challenges presented by Red Hat's actions, the open-source community remains resilient, seeking alternatives and paths forward.

• Rocky and AlmaLinux's Resilience: Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are determined to carry on despite Red Hat's moves. Their commitment to continuity and stability could provide a lifeline for those affected by the changes.
• Hope for the Future: The open-source community continues to stand strong, expressing solidarity and support for each other. The determination to overcome obstacles and find new solutions remains a driving force.

The demise of CentOS and Red Hat's questionable licensing practices have left a profound impact on the open-source community. While some bridges have been burned, opportunities for growth and resilience have also emerged. The community's response to adversity will shape the future of open-source development, and it remains to be seen how Red Hat's decisions will affect its position in the market. Nevertheless, the spirit of collaboration and the pursuit of innovation will continue to drive the open-source movement forward, despite the challenges it faces.