[RndTbl] Linux professional or advanced that is the question?

[S/C Conway]

G'Day,
    I recieved an email today from RH which provided links for
information on RH Advanced server.
http://www.redhat.com/software/whichlinux.html is one link to provide
some details.

    I am left with the impression that all the versions of RH I have
installed 6.0 to 7.3 were never designed to be used in a company but
just for small businesses and individuals. Advanced server is what I
need for the enterprise. Wait a minute, I work for a regional
telcommunication provider. I suspect our share holders don't consider
the company a small business.

    I fear RH has created a crippled version of Linux, RH 7.3 and a full
version, Advanced server. RH7.3 is the shareware version and Advanced
server is the full version you pay throught the nose for.

    My experience with loading Oracle 8i seems to provide some validity
for my perceptions. After 20 attempts at loading Oracle 8i on Linux 7.x
using three different installation procedures I gave up. I left Oracle
running on RH6.2 where everything works. I would really like to get SSH
to work on 6.2 but I gave up after the 15 library change! I never did
get the Oracle 8i to work completely in 7.x. I did get it to a point I
could create a database but not all the tools worked. Towards the end
of  my database penance it was suggested I use Oracle 9i and it would
work! Wait....that product has a both a greater hardware and software
requirment.

    If I read about RH partnerships and key developments, they are all
on Advanced server product. Am I getting paranoid? I have pushed to use
linux as the alternative O/S. I am now questioning my convictions. I am
seeing shades of gate's company. Tech support "oh you didn't purchase
the advanced version, I am sorry we can't help you." "we don't support
that service in the professional version, you will need a subscription
for the Advanced version to get it to work correctly."

    Can I solicit some opinions?

Sean