Oracle Linux - Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel

I predict this thing lasts no more than 2 weeks before someone finds a way to break the "unbreakable"

Basically, it's a more-current version of the Linux kernel added to their distro (which is a clone of RHEL5).<p>Surprise surprise... the newer kernel has more performance optimizations and is somewhat faster/featureful.<p>There are a few new features - see here for more on one of the data integrity ones:<p><a href="http://www.c0t0d0s0.org/archives/6919-About-this-data-integrity-thing-in-Oracle-ULK.html#extended" rel="nofollow">http://www.c0t0d0s0.org/archives/6919-About-this-data-integr...</a>

So they have a two pronged approach:<p>1. Encourage customers to adopt this kernel to run Oracle workloads. Saying it's the only "recommended" kernel for Oracle software helps greatly. Oh and it's 75% faster.<p>"The Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel is now the only Linux kernel Oracle recommends for use with Oracle software."<p>2. Still "support" Red Hat's older kernel for other ISV workloads (really Red Hat is supporting it anyway).<p>"Oracle Linux continues to include Oracle’s existing Red Hat Compatible Kernel. Customers can choose to run the Red Hat Compatible Kernel if they prefer strict Red Hat compatibility over a system optimized to run Oracle and other enterprise software."<p>Unbreakable Linux didn't really present any huge advantages before. Now it does. Why wouldn't you choose it now?

Can't the other distros (and the kernel developers) just take these patches and apply them upstream if they are so wonderful? I'm not sure how having patches to a GPL'ed kernel gives you a competitive advantage..

That sure sounds like biting the hand that feeds you. When you are (essentially) a re-distributor of RHEL5, why on earth would you bash on RHEL5!?

If anyone's interested with PostgreSQL tests on this kernel: TPS is 20% lower than the stock RHEL 2.6.18-194.11.4.el5 kernel.

I wanted to start flaming oracle for hurting the IT all around, but somehow, I lost my words. My response to this would be a solid facepalm.