On: CentOS Project Administrator Goes AWOL

[dpcan]

I know this is supposed to be funny, but this is the FIRST thing that came to my mind today.

I operate many CentOS, Ubuntu AND Red Hat servers. Seeing key developers drop from the Linux community (which is the way it sounds) and then to see the lead project manager of CentOS VANISH is absolutely terrifying.

Here was my SECOND thought. Should I just be using MS servers for everything?

THIRD thought, maybe Red Hat at the very least.

Stuff like this puts a huge scar on open source for the nervous folks like me. I want to rely on a huge company no more than I do an open source project run by random people around the world, but I just don't have much of a choice, and situations like these make me feel totally out of control, and when this happens, I have to consider paying more so I know the company that manages my OS will be around tomorrow.

I don't have a "what if a bus hits my OS" document, and I didn't think I needed one, but all of a sudden... I think that maybe I do.

[Keyframe → dpcan]

Well, yes when you put it like that - however, that CentOS guy apparently was not in any active role in the project for quite some time now and his disappearance does nothing to CentOS.

When other people, who actively participate in the project, quit - like Alan Cox did, most of them - if not all - responsibly manage the transition.

[Confusion → dpcan]

Alan Cox didn't "drop from the Linux community". He's just resigned as maintainer of a specific part of the kernel.

[vuvtytivlui → dpcan]

>I operate many CentOS, Ubuntu AND Red Hat servers

Would you have been better off if you had used a proper professional Unix from, Sun or Dec or Compaq

>Should I just be using MS servers for everything?

As long as you don't mind switching to a new OS when their marketing dept decides it's time.