Oracle extends Unbreakable Linux programme to enterprise level
1 min read
Oracle has pledged to provide the same enterprise class support for Linux as it provides for its database, middleware and applications products. But not without controversy, as it starts with Red Hat Linux, removes the trademarks and adds bug fixes at a lower price.
Oracle’s argument is that Red Hat only provides fixes for its latest release, requiring users to upgrade. Unbreakable Linux will fix future, current and back releases of Linux – just as Oracle supports other operating systems.
With characteristic aplomb, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison says: “We believe that better support and lower support prices will speed the adoption of Linux, and we are working closely with our partners to make that happen… Intel is a development partner. Dell and HP are resellers and support partners. Many others are signed up to help us move Linux up to mission critical status in the data centre.”
And Oracle president Charles Phillips adds: “Oracle’s Unbreakable Linux program is available to all Linux users for as low as $99 per system per year... You do not have to be a user of Oracle software to qualify. To get Oracle support for Red Hat Linux all you have to do is point your Red Hat server to the Oracle network. The switch takes less than a minute.”
Other signatories also supporting the move include: IBM, Accenture, AMD, EMC, BMC, NetApp, Mercury, Kronos, Sterling Commerce, Ingram Micro, TechData and Autodesk.
Dell chairman Michael Dell says: “Oracle’s new Linux support program will help us drive standards deeper into the enterprise. Today we’re announcing that Dell customers can choose Oracle’s Unbreakable Linux program to support Linux environments running on Dell PowerEdge servers.”
Meanwhile, Oracle has joined the not for profit Free Standards Group (FSG) as a platinum member to lend its ongoing weight to Linux use for application development.
“As the largest enterprise software company, Oracle is one of the most influential and important Linux software vendors,” says Jim Zemlin, executive director of FSG.
“Their joining the FSG is a watershed moment for the Linux platform, showing that all major Linux software vendors have joined together to support the LSB [Linux Standard Base] and keep Linux from fragmenting,” he adds. “Their participation in our workgroup will help us meet the most pressing needs for Linux users and developers.”