cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/37281970
Believe it or not, an unexpected conflict has arisen in the openSUSE community with its long-time supporter and namesake, the SUSE company.
At the heart of this tension lies a quiet request that has stirred not-so-quiet ripples across the open source landscape: SUSE has formally asked openSUSE to discontinue using its brand name.
Richard Brown, a key figure within the openSUSE project, shared insights into the discussions that have unfolded behind closed doors.
Despite SUSE’s request’s calm and respectful tone, the implications of not meeting it could be far-reaching, threatening the symbiotic relationship that has benefited both entities over the years.
No, there are good reasons for it. A lot of people get confused between SUSE and openSUSE offerings. Often SUSE customers show up in openSUSE places, because they believe that it’s a place they can get official support. And I’m sure a lot of potential customers might get confused in the same way too.
On the flip side there are also a lot of openSUSE (adjacent) users who think SUSE is (secretly or not) making openSUSE development decisions or think they can dand SUSE to do that and that.
So there are some good reasons to consider a rebranding, but also some speaking against it, like the less of recognition it might entail.
I am in the linux world 20+ years. Used SUSE for short amout of time back than and never really cared much about it, just glad it still exist.
This is the first time I am hearing openSUSE is not part od SUSE.
Having different name should be good for all. I think openSUSE people should have done it long time ago. But sounds like name is not the only problem.