Vendor Lock-In?

With one-stop solutions, Linux users can finally enjoy what Windows and macOs users have enjoyed for decades. True, buyers may still have to research these one-stop solutions, because many are too recent to have much of a reputation, and solutions vary considerably. However, at least you no longer need to research each component's Linux compatibility.

Long-time Linux users might worry that one-stop solutions may also introduce vendor lock-in through the back door – something that many users turned to Linux to avoid. This possibility is not some malicious conspiracy, just businesses pursuing their normal efforts for an advantage. But is it likely to happen? The danger is always there, but probably unlikely. Already, enough one-stop solutions are available that avoiding one is easy enough if it becomes necessary.

Moreover, there is a simple way to judge the solution providers: Ask how they interact with the community. Do they participate on user forums? Are their products based on user feedback? Although they might focus on their own solutions, do they try to work with alternatives? In other words, are the providers good open source citizens, not just executives? As long as they are, then we can celebrate that Linux has finally come of age at last.