Q: Oracle says their Linux support includes the same hardware compatibility and certifications as Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Is this true?
A: No. Oracle has stated they will make changes to the code independently of Red Hat. These changes will not be tested during Red Hat's hardware testing and certification process, and may cause unexpected behavior. Hence Red Hat hardware certifications are invalidated.
Software Compatibility
Q: Oracle says their Linux support includes the same software compatibility and ISV certifications of Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Is this true?
A: No. Oracle has stated they will make changes to the code independently of Red Hat. These changes will not be tested during Red Hat's software testing and certification process, and may cause unexpected behavior. Hence Red Hat software certifications are invalidated.
Binary Compatibility
Q: Will Oracle's Linux support be binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux?
A: There is no way to guarantee that changes made by Oracle will maintain API (Application Programming Interface) or ABI (Application Binary Interface) compatibility; there may be material differences in the code. Compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux can only be verified by Red Hat's internal test suite.
Larry Ellison is as big a friend of Linux and open source as Darl McBride and Steve Balmer.
Posted on October 26, 2006 12:50 PM