Are Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Linux Really Proprietary on Top and Open Source Underneath? What About Android?

In the world of Linux distributions, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) are renowned for their stability and robust support, but the question often arises: are these distributions truly built on proprietary foundations or do they maintain a core of open-source software? Similarly, the topic of Android's open and closed layers is a point of frequent debate. To clear the air, let's delve into the intricacies of these distributions and explores the closed-source components in the Android ecosystem.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Open Source

Red Hat Enterprise Linux, a veteran in the enterprise Linux market, is often perceived as a complex balance between proprietary tools and open-source software. However, in reality, the perception that RHEL is predominantly proprietary on top and open source underneath is a misconception. What is being sold by Red Hat, or rather IBM (following Red Hat’s acquisition by IBM in 2019), is a comprehensive range of services, support that goes beyond the open-source credentials of RHEL.

The RHEL distribution is built on top of the stable and secure Fedora Linux, ensuring it has the latest updates and patches, all while benefiting from the broad array of open-source components. The source code of RHEL is available under the GPL license, which allows developers to view, modify, and distribute the code. Red Hat offers subscription-based services, such as bug fixes, technical support, updates, and enhanced hardening for enterprise-level security. These services are indeed proprietary, ensuring that the quality of support and resources provided by Red Hat is top-notch, thus distinguishing it from basic open-source Linux distributions.

In essence, when you pay for Red Hat, you are paying for the time, effort, and resources dedicated to maintaining, refining, and continuously updating the RHEL distribution. This includes the creation of bug fixes, the provision of timely security patches, and the development of proprietary tools and extensions that enhance the overall stability and usability of the operating system. This is where the true value of a Red Hat subscription lies – in the support and services, not just in the underlying open-source components.

SUSE Linux and Open Source Roots

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) shares a similar relationship with open-source software, though its evolution has its nuances. SLES, like RHEL, is built on a foundation of open-source components and is also available under the GPL license. It is not the underlying code that differentiates SUSE from other enterprise Linux distributions—rather, it’s the community-driven development, rigorous testing, and continuous improvements that contribute to its robustness and stability. The SUSE distribution is not merely a thin layer of proprietary software on top of open-source code; it is deeply integrated with a vast array of open-source projects, repositories, and communities.

The hallmark of SUSE lies in its comprehensive support model. SUSE provides enterprise-grade support, the ability to leverage major open-source contributions, and the integration with open-source ecosystems. The SUSE Subscription Model offers services like software updates, security patches, and technical assistance, enhancing the reliability and performance of the system. Like Red Hat, SUSE’s value proposition is strongly tied to its support and service layers, which are indeed proprietary.

A key difference between SUSE and Red Hat is their integration with their respective market segments. SUSE has a deep presence in specific markets, particularly in Germany and other European countries, where it has strong partnerships and a loyal customer base. Red Hat, while strong globally, has a particularly significant presence in the United States and in the broader North American market.

Android and Open/Closed Source Duality

The Android operating system is a very different beast compared to the enterprise Linux distributions discussed earlier. Android, under the leadership of Google, is a combination of open-source and proprietary components. At its heart, Android is based on the open-source Linux kernel, making it a relatively open and adaptable platform for developers. However, Android's value proposition is skewed towards specific hardware and software integrations which are primarily proprietary, and these are the elements that make Android a valuable ecosystem for smartphone manufacturers and users.

When you download the Android SDK (Software Development Kit) from the official repositories, you can see that the Android OS is mostly open source. But the reality is that the components of Android that interact with the hardware, such as power management, audio drivers, and camera support are kept closed-sourced by the hardware manufacturers. These controllers and interfaces are often customized by device manufacturers to suit their own specific hardware and operating environment.

The closed-source elements in Android, such as the hardware abstraction layer (HAL), are typically controlled by the device manufacturers and are not freely accessible to the wider developer community. This proprietary layer ensures that the hardware components work seamlessly with the software, providing a consistent user experience on Android devices. While the core operating system is open, the integration with hardware, which is critical for performance and reliability, is often left to proprietary code for security and optimization reasons.

Moreover, Android relies heavily on Google Play services for a complete experience, which are proprietary and closed-source, providing access to seamless integration with Google's ecosystem of applications, services, and advertising platforms. This explains why a phone without Google Play services is not a fully functional Android device, despite the presence of the open-source Linux kernel.

Concluding Thoughts

In summary, both Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Linux offer a blend of open-source and proprietary elements, but it is the latter that adds significant value through robust support and service packages. Similarly, Android is primarily built on an open-source foundation but with a key emphasis on hardware integration, which is largely controlled by the hardware manufacturers, resulting in a more complex duality of open and closed components.

The key takeaway is that while the open-source components are indispensable and form the backbone of these operating systems, the real differentiators are the proprietary support, service, and integration layers. These layers ensure that the systems are not only reliable and secure but also efficient and tailored to the specific needs of their users. Whether you are an enterprise administrator or a mobile device user, understanding these layers can help you make more informed decisions about how to leverage the full potential of these systems.

For those interested in delving deeper into the differences and potential benefits, we recommend exploring the technical specifications and support options available for each distribution, as well as reviewing the Android documentation to understand the nature of the closed source components.