Why isn't there a server edition for Fedora like Ubuntu?

Question

I was looking for a server edition of Fedora to download, and just found that they don't have one. It's very strange to me. If Ubuntu has both desktop and server editions, why doesn't Fedora follow suit?

Answer 1

Fedora only has a Desktop edition. In my experience, "server" distros have a longer support lifetime than desktop distros. If you want something that has a longer support cycle, use Red Hat Enterprise Linux, or one of the RHEL clones like CentOS. Fedora really isn't suited for a long-term support OS, because at best you'll get 13 months of support if you install a release the day it comes out (Unlike RHEL).

While Fedora is really only aimed at the desktop, the OS certainly supports being installed as a server, using the DVD or network installer. RHEL6 is based on Fedora 12 (with backports from later Fedoras and security fixes) and uses the same installation software as Fedora, so there's nothing stopping you from using Fedora as a server OS, just don't expect to get updates or security fixes past the end of its support lifetime.

Answer 2

Fedora as a server does work fine, but its short lifetime make it a hassle (must upgrade due to end-of-life just in the middle of finals or such...).

Fedora isn't "aimed at the desktop", it's driving force is to get the newest bling out. That happens to be what the desktop users demand...