ISO images of the Oracle Linux installation media as well as individual binary RPMs (and the sources) of major and minor releases (Updates) have always been freely available for download, use and distribution, ever since we started the Oracle Linux support program.

We're now taking this a step further: in addition to the above, we will now also provide updated packages or errata for free from separate yum repositories on http://public-yum.oracle.com. If you would like to keep your Oracle Linux system up to date, you can now do so by subscribing your system to the respective "_latest" repository for your distribution, e.g. "ol6_latest" for Oracle Linux 6. See the installation instructions on the public yum front page for details on how enable these repositories.

If you would like to also receive free updates to the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel Release 2, make sure to enable the "[ol6_UEK_latest]" repository as well - updates to the kernel will be made available from this separate channel until it is included in the next set of installation media.

Now what does this mean for Oracle Network Support? Getting access to the updates and errata was just one part of the offering – the following benefits will still only be available with an Oracle Linux Support Subscription only:

• Full indemnification against intellectual property claims.
• Use of base functionality in Enterprise Manager 12c for Linux and Enterprise Manager OpsCenter for provisioning, patching, management and monitoring of Oracle Linux
• Access to additional software channels on the Unbreakable Linux Network (ULN) (e.g. DTrace beta releases or ASM support packages)

Wim also published a blog post with his take on the announcement.