Still, we're bullish: Given the ability to handle more threads via NPTL support in the kernel, Linux can now take on Unix. If you are considering a Unix-to-Linux migration, RHEL's features, management abilities using RHN, large installed base and support by the largest Linux vendor out there leaves others playing catch-up.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3.0, Red Hat, (888) 733-4281. www.redhat.com
Christopher T. Beers is a Unix systems engineer at Syracuse University. His primary responsibilities include Solaris and Linux administration for machines used in academic computing, implementation of new services and support of existing services. Write to him at [email protected].
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Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3.0, the newest incarnation of RHEL, could be just what the doctor ordered to enable Unix-to-Linux migrations in large enterprises--thanks to its native support for POSIX-compliant threads in the Linux kernel, logical volume management, enterprise-class support options and full-featured Red Hat Network management platform. RHEL 3.0 comes in three versions to fit everyone's needs, pocketbooks and hardware architectures; and major software vendors like BEA Systems, Computer Associates International, IBM, Oracle and Sun Microsystems are certifying their software for use with the Red Hat release.
Still, though the product is ready for prime time, Red Hat needs to make some improvements if it wants to play in the same league as the big three Unix vendors. For example, its support model for renewing software is nowhere near as mature as the software and hardware contracts we're accustomed to seeing from HP, IBM and Sun. In fact, Red Hat's licensing will be well-nigh impossible for large data centers to manage. Furthermore, the introductory and midclass RHEL offerings, WS and ES, can't be upgraded to premium support, a pitfall for users who don't require the features of the top-end AS but consider their systems critical nonetheless.
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