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FAQ: CentOS Stream Updates @ Red Hat[0]

Q: What does this mean for users of CentOS Linux?

The creation of CentOS Stream provides a new mechanism for partners and community members to add innovation to the next version of RHEL as it’s being built instead of after it’s built. We also recognize that there are different kinds of CentOS Linux users, and we are working with the CentOS Project Governing Board to tailor programs that meet the needs of different user groups.

In the first half of 2021, we will be introducing low- or no-cost programs for a variety of use cases, including options for open source projects and communities, partner ecosystems and an expansion of the use cases of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux Developer subscription to better serve the needs of systems administrators and partner developers. We’ll share more details on these initiatives as they become available. For those converting to RHEL, there is guidance available today for converting from CentOS Linux to RHEL.

[0] https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/faq-centos-stream-updates#Q10

LOL at the corporate guff. The primary use case of CentOS is "I want to run RHEL without paying anyone anything". The best way to "serve that need"? Don't kill off CentOS 8.3+.

Actually the best way is to allow free use of RHEL for those who don't want to pay for it.

I mean, that's de-facto what CentOS was; RHEL but non-paid and with different branding. But I mean... they were built from the (exact) same sources, so similar that you could convert between them by un/installing a few packages.

The difference is that CentOS is really free. RHEL free will be whatever RedHat wants. Of course it won't be as free as CentOS. But if it'll be free enough to satisfy most CentOS users, that might be good enough.