Re: [cobalt-users] Sun considering a shift away from Sun Linux to RedHat/Suse

[Josh Kuperman <josh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Well, since I'm working with an XTR it doesn't strike me as bad
news. There is a limit as to how many OS's Sun can support. The
Cobalt's are basically redhat with a custom interface sitting on top -
the real question for Cobalt is what is that interface worth. 

The more I consider what has happened since I bought my RaQ XTR, the
more I think I would have been better off with a vanilla RedHat and
Webmin, squirrelmail, and the other tools I need. If Sun starts using
RedHat all the better.

On Mon, Mar 10, 2003 at 05:05:56PM -0500, Jalon Q. Zimmerman wrote:
> 
> Sun considering a shift away from Sun Linux to RedHat/Suse.
> 
> http://netscape.com.com/2100-1104-991412.html?type=pt
> more fuel for the Cobalt product bonfire out back of the Sun headquarters...
> I think that wraps it up for the "Sun is going to port Cobalt OS to Sun 
> Linux" theory.
> 
> 1. Sun wants to sell its hardware, not Intel hardware. We all know that the 
> low-end Sun Linux server line is a direct shot at the Dell PowerEdge series.

I think they just want to make money. They have Solaris which is
pretty good.  They also sell software and support. I don't think
anyone really cares who designed the ASICs and CPUs.

> 
> 2. Sun drops its Sun Linux OS because pretty much everyone agrees that 
> maintaining yet another Linux distro is not the answer.

Good. There is enough Linux out there.

> 
> 3. We were hoping that Sun would develop and base future Cobalt hardware or 
> even a software-only product on top of Sun Linux. That would be better than 
> nothing right?

Actually, I was hoping they'd base it on RedHat since then there'd be

1. a better chance of porting it to my XTR and the other non MIPs cobalts.

2. a better chance of my getting a RedHat Server while still being
able to use the Web Interface and ChiliSoft ASP.

> 
> Can we assume that it isnt in the best interest of Sun to develop and market 
> a pure software, RedHat/SuSe, web appliance management solution?

No! That's the wrong question. I think they need to get it so all
Cobalts products are using the same software and it is probably best
if they sell software only solution rather than worry about producing
low end hardward. Except for very special purpose machines, Sony's PS2
maybe, you really need the ability to install server software beyond
what you get with the Cobalts. I don't think Sun has ever got the
knack of producing low, low cost hardware which is what a lot of
people (well its what I) tend to use. 

> 
> Its a perfect core product for a small, focused software company. But for 
> someone the size of Sun, its in danger of falling between the cracks. Its 
> not like the backend was written in Java. That would place it squarely in 
> the Java product budget and lineup. But something written in Perl? Not a 
> chance...

Actually, the problems I have with the RaQ are from the Old Old Perl
and PHP and not quite new sausilito architecture,etc.

> 
> Also, what happens to all those programmers and syseng people who were 
> pulled off of the Raq 550 maintenance and are now doing Sun Linux work?

I suppose some will find other jobs, work on different projects, age,
retire, etc. Software/Hardware/ and even exclusively retail companies
change directions all the time.

-- 
Josh Kuperman                       
josh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx