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

["Jalon Q. Zimmmerman" <jalonz@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

* Josh Kuperman <josh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> [2003-03-11 09:51]:
> 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.

ok, once again I'm going to plug "web://cp" http://webcp.can-host.com/

look at it... its the Cobalt interface, but better. only its still under 
development. much better for an end-user/reseller than webmin.


> 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.
> 
> > 
> > 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. 


Is Sun capable of marketing and supporting a software product that runs 
on another OS? Or maybe, can they do it "Sun-style" and not 
"Cobalt-style"?

If you think about it, Sun has a pretty poor track record of supporting 
the Cobalt software.

The Cobalt hardware support isnt all that bad really - I think they have 
it down to an art form. They have parts distribution, field techs in place 
already, etc. Ok, maybe they could get a unit out the factory door and 
into my hands within 2 weeks, but thats a production issue, not a support 
one.

If Sun offered the Cobalt GUI as a software solution that I could throw 
on top of RedHat and a white box, I would convert my entire server farm 
in a second. I think most other people would as well.

I simply refuse to pay an ongoing monthly "license" fee for a control panel. 
Three or four control panel companies have setup price fixing, a solid 
market monopoly and the only alternative is Webmin, Cobalt or web://cp. 
Please, if you guys know of any other open-source control panels out there 
that actually work, post them. I have been unable to find any.

You say they dont do price fixing? Then why are they all periodic "lease" 
licenses, set high enough that the small operator has a pretty hard time 
getting into the game? Why cant they sell me a software package for a 
one-time fee? If I stop paying, my lease is terminated and the software 
reverts to the supplier? I dont think so...

The exact same conditions apply in the ISP/hosting billing software 
market - but there are a few good options out there like ModernBill that 
are breaking the price barrier.

:)
jalon