RedHat Enterprise? Whats the benefit?

[cuzvinn]

This is a question I had for an internship interview:
What is the difference between Linux Red Hat public distribution and the distribution that you can purchase for approximately $160 from Red Hat.

From what I can gather from RedHats website, the main differance is support features plus benefits like suppert for dual processors and such. What else?

[unixtool]

As for me, I have used the enterprise server for a client of mine. Here are some of the perks, if you will:
1) RedHat support is immediate.
2) The software and the the apps included make for an administrators dream.
3) Installation on "larger" servers is a breeze.
4) Priority downloads, ftp sites, and a hole mess of other goodies.

Now I know, an individual with some gumshun and time can install and create the same distro using free sites, but it is so much easier to buy the package and move on. Plus, if your a contactor like me, the main perk is that most of the "unfamiliar" admin of a system; or multiple systems for that matter, can be handled at the support area for RedHat. Thus leaving you with closure on your contract and the possiblity of making a little more money in the future i.e. upgrades, app add-ons, etc.

My opinion is that is worth the time and effort for a business.

[saithan]

you can get suport for dual cpu with any of the redhat releases.
The main diferences are the suport options for RHN and some packages(administration tools) and some packages wich require licences are included with the higher end releases.

if you have experience with unix and linux beyond the home user level and you have the time you can build redhat personal up to the level of advanced server or enterprise (without the expected level of RHN suport).