> We expect to be able to continue releasing updates for SL5 and SL6.

<snip>

>> The folks over at CentOS are planning to host the RHEL source in a set
>> of git repos.  The long term future of source rpms on ftp.redhat.com
>> is somewhat fluid right now.

<snip>

Dear all,

This email is in this context and reflects my opinions and not
necessarily the opinions of my current employer.

1) I think the value of the "Scientific Linux" is very high and many
people see that. I think the respect Fermi gain relative to the effort
they put into "Scientific Linux" is imminence, but maybe not easy to put
in a quarterly reporting financial spread sheet.

2) I think Redhat effectively buying Centos shows the business value of
a free open source distribution to them. Scientific Linux is a very
valuable resource that many would be envious of Redhat for cultivating.
I expect Redhat wants to continue with a good relationship from
Scientific Linux. I have no doubt others may be keen to step in if
Redhat ever misbehaves toward Scientific Linux.

I hope the funding is secure for Scientific Linux Fermi; as in terms of
outreach and impact factor I think "Scientific Linux" is an ongoing
success. If funding is not disappearing, (of which I have no reason to
believe it is) I think just because the future is "somewhat fluid right
now" does not mean the end of the world.

Certainly we will all be watching this space, and waiting to hear what
comes of discussions, between "Scientific Linux Fermi" and "Redhat", but
I for one would defiantly not panic, as the worst that could happen will
not be so bad. In the last HEPIX it was clear the discussions where not
finished.

The scientific Linux community picked an open source platform for a
reason, so that the worst that could happen would not cause major
disruption. This remains true as it was when Scientific Linux was formed.

Even if bad things happen with Redhat/Centos (which would surprise me) I
have no doubt that the "Scientific Linux" community will adapt.

Best regards

Owen.