Red Hat users should carry out compatibility tests of
Oracle’s Linux set-up because it offers a “more complete” support
package, analyst firm Gartner has urged.
The call follows Oracle’s launch of its Unbreakable Linux
support package for the Red Hat Linux distribution, in direct
competition with Red Hat’s own support.
In a research note, Gartner said user dissatisfaction with Red
Hat’s subscription price had grown along with the number of
“unresolved problems and the perceived unresponsiveness” of Red
Hat.
It argued that Oracle's Linux support offering was “a more
complete solution” than Red Hat's, and recommended that Red Hat
users undertake compatibility testing of an “all-Oracle Linux
world” in their datacentres.
As part of this, users should consider piloting one or two fully
loaded mission-critical systems, Gartner said. Independent software
suppliers should be asked to confirm that they will keep software
synchronised with Oracle's distribution.
Businesses that are not content with Red Hat’s support and have
no compatibility issues with Oracle, should consider Unbreakable
Linux, Gartner recommended.
The analyst firm suggested that users who are happy with the
quality of Red Hat’s support should renegotiate contracts, with
large-scale users advised to seek discounts of between 50% and 70%
on list prices.