AlmaLinux: Red Hat’s RHEL Source Code Restrictions Not a Threat

AlmaLinux Thrives Economically: Red Hat’s RHEL Source Code Restrictions Not a Threat

AlmaLinux Thrives Economically: Red Hat’s RHEL Source Code Restrictions Not a Threat.

Two months ago, Red Hat announced its decision to restrict access to the Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) source code, with CentOS Stream becoming the sole repository for public RHEL-related source code releases.

Benny Vasquez, the Chairman of the AlmaLinux OS Foundation, shared with SiliconANGLE that the impact on regular users is, in reality, quite minimal.

“In essence, we’re still where we were, except for kernel updates.” While updates might no longer be available on the day of RHEL’s new version release, developers can still access Red Hat’s planned enhancements and bug fixes through CentOS Stream.

AlmaLinux is a RHEL-based clone initiated by the company CloudLinux, utilizing RHEL 8 as its foundation, with its source code fully compatible with RHEL.

Its development began after Red Hat decided to cease the development of CentOS (non-Stream version), and its first official version was released in March 2021.

Vasquez believes that despite the common perception that everything in CentOS Stream will never make it to RHEL, the reality is different. “I can’t think of any reason why they would put something in RHEL that didn’t exist in Stream first.”

She added that while it’s not guaranteed, AlmaLinux’s workarounds implemented over the past month should address most issues.

Their strategy has shifted from “bug-for-bug” compatibility to application binary interface (ABI) compatibility.

ABI is a set of low-level machine code instructions that define how applications interact with external libraries.

While APIs often change, developers typically maintain ABI stability to prevent potential disruptions.

ABI compatibility doesn’t guarantee problem-free integration, but it significantly reduces the likelihood of failures and can usually be resolved by recompiling source code.

“For us, ABI compatibility with RHEL is sufficient. The most important thing is that it provides stability to our community.”

In Vasquez’s view, Red Hat’s change in direction has turned out to be a blessing for AlmaLinux. “When you’re essentially copying someone else’s code, you don’t need to make many technical decisions. We see this as the liberation of our one-to-one relationship.” They can apply patches without waiting for Red Hat’s cues, “We can engage with our community in a fresh and exciting way.”

AlmaLinux has also benefited economically from Red Hat’s decision. “The level of support has been impressive. People have contributed personnel, website maintenance, and infrastructure management, and we’ve received more financial support from enterprises.” Vasquez didn’t disclose specific donation amounts but noted that “the number of people donating $5 a day has more than quadrupled.”

Vasquez assures AlmaLinux and other RHEL-compatible distribution users that they need not worry about being left behind. “Both from a code and financial perspective, we will continue to receive the support we need. More and more vendors are reaching out to ensure their customers, whether using AlmaLinux or another clone, feel supported.”