Today in Edworking News we want to talk about Is openSUSE at crossroads? Just when I thought that openSUSE was free from stupid corporate decisions, their main sponsor, SUSE S.A., came with a strange request: openSUSE should “stop using the SUSE brand”! WTF is that shit?! (H/T to Linuxiac.)
The Controversy Surrounding openSUSE's Branding
The openSUSE community is currently embroiled in a heated debate following a request from SUSE S.A., the main sponsor of openSUSE, to stop using the SUSE brand. This request has sparked significant animosity and confusion within the community, as evidenced by an "Open Letter to the openSUSE Board, Project and Community (Final)" circulating on the mailing list. The letter highlights the goodwill that has historically existed between SUSE and openSUSE, emphasizing that SUSE has provided resources beyond what is necessary for their business. However, the letter also warns that failing to work productively with SUSE's request could lead to a decrease in goodwill, potentially jeopardizing the contributions that SUSE employees make to openSUSE during work hours.
Community Reactions and Concerns
The request has not been well-received by the openSUSE community. Discussions on platforms like Reddit reveal a strong opposition to the idea, with many arguing that the openSUSE brand has been well-established for over 18 years and is crucial for distinguishing it from SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES). Some community members fear that rebranding could lead to confusion and a loss of recognition, which could be detrimental to both openSUSE and SUSE.
The openSUSE logo, a symbol of the community's identity for over 18 years.
Historical Context and Legal Complications
Interestingly, the efforts to change openSUSE's name are not new. A page last edited in December 2019 reveals that there was a vote on this issue back in 2019, which ultimately failed. The legal complications surrounding the ownership and licensing of the openSUSE trademark have been a significant barrier. SUSE's legal team has indicated that transferring the trademark to a separate foundation would likely be incompatible with trademark laws. Instead, they suggested the possibility of licensing the openSUSE marks to a foundation, albeit with conditions that could restrict certain activities.
The Complexity of Rebranding
Renaming the project and its distributions is not a straightforward task. openSUSE offers a rich array of operating systems, including Leap (stable), Tumbleweed (rolling), Slowroll (slower rolling), and various modern combinations like MicroOS, Aeon, Kalpa, Argon, Krypton, and Leap Micro. The community is divided on whether these should be considered separate distributions or variants of the same distribution. This complexity adds another layer of difficulty to the rebranding effort.
Governance and Community Dynamics
The governance of openSUSE appears to be in disarray, with internal conflicts and a lack of clear communication exacerbating the situation. Some board members argue that rebranding is necessary, while others believe it will cause more harm than good. The community is also grappling with an identity crisis, questioning whether they are a separate entity from SUSE or just another arm of the company.
The Broader Impact on Linux
The potential rebranding of openSUSE could have far-reaching implications for the Linux community. openSUSE is known for its Open Build Service (OBS), which allows users to build and offer packages for various distributions, including Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, and SUSE Linux Enterprise. The collapse of openSUSE's projects due to trademark issues could be devastating for the broader Linux ecosystem.
Conclusion
The openSUSE community is at a crossroads, facing a challenging decision that could reshape its future. The request from SUSE to stop using the SUSE brand has sparked significant debate and highlighted underlying governance issues. The outcome of this situation will not only impact openSUSE but could also have broader implications for the Linux community.
Remember these 3 key ideas for your startup:
Brand Identity Matters: The controversy surrounding openSUSE's rebranding highlights the importance of a strong and consistent brand identity. For startups, maintaining a recognizable brand can be crucial for customer loyalty and market differentiation. Learn more about how to brand yourself as a remote company.
Community Engagement: The openSUSE situation underscores the value of engaging with your community. Listening to feedback and addressing concerns can help maintain goodwill and support, which are essential for long-term success. Discover ways to replicate the office in a remote work setup.
Legal Considerations: Navigating trademark and legal issues can be complex and time-consuming. Startups should seek legal advice early to avoid potential pitfalls and ensure that their branding and intellectual property are protected. For more insights, check out the importance of a good research plan.
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