Red Hat Network has shocked many users of its Linux distro by informing them 1) that it will discontinue maintenance on Red Hat Linux 7.x and 8.0 by the end of 2003; 2) that it will discontinue maintenance on Red Hat 9.0 by the end of April, 2004; and 3) that it does not plan to release another product in the Red Hat Linux line.

Here is the full text of an e-mail sent out this morning, courtesy of NewsForge:

Thank you for being a Red Hat Network customer.

This e-mail provides you with important information about the upcoming discontinuation of Red Hat Linux, and resources to assist you with your migration to another Red Hat solution.

As previously communicated, Red Hat will discontinue maintenance and errata support for Red Hat Linux 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and 8.0 as of December 31, 2003. Red Hat will discontinue maintenance and errata support for Red Hat Linux 9 as of April 30, 2004. Red Hat does not plan to release another product in the Red Hat Linux line.

With the recent announcement of Red Hat Enterprise Linux v.3, you'll find migrating to Enterprise Linux appealing. We understand that transitioning to another Red Hat solution requires careful planning and implementation. We have created a migration plan for Red Hat Network customers to help make the transition as simple and seamless as possible. Details:

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If you purchase Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS or ES Basic before February 28, 2004, you will receive 50% off the price for two years.[*] (That's two years for the price of one.)

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In addition, we have created a Red Hat Linux Migration Resource Center to address your migration planning and other questions, such as:

* What are best practices for implementing the migration to Red Hat Enterprise Linux?

* Are there other migration alternatives?

* How do I purchase Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS or ES Basic at the price above?

* What if my paid subscription to RHN extends past April 30, 2004?

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Find out more about your migration options with product comparisons, whitepapers and documentation at the Red Hat Linux Migration Resource Center.

Or read the FAQ written especially for Red Hat Network customers:

Sincerely,

Red Hat, Inc.

[*] Limit 10 units. Higher volume purchase inquiries should contact a regional Red Hat sales representative. Contact numbers available at http://www.redhat.com/solutions/migration/rhl/rhn

--the Red Hat Network Team

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