[Nolug] server distro considerations

Guys,

As I might have mentioned before, I have used SuSE since 1998, and
most of the servers I've put up until now have had SuSE on them. I
have decided that I have to migrate to something else, due to Novell's
recent patent deal with Microsoft.

Therefore, I'm searching for the Linux distribution that best fits my
requirements. Right now, I need a server distro, and I'll worry about
desktop systems later on. I would like input from knowledgeable folks
on this list.

My requirements:

1. No bleeding-edge
2. No cute or vanity projects
3. updates and free support available for at least four years
4. remote administration via ssh, including kernel upgrades, and
distro version upgrades if possible
5. ???

Also, I will be installing these servers for my clients in and around
New Orleans, so this entire migration project must be done in a
professional manner.

I really like BSD, but those are impossible to update remotely.
Slackware has a BSD "feel", and can be administered remotely, but a
version upgrade requires single-user mode.

Debian has its advantages and disadvantages. Stable is a little out of
date, but a bigger issue to me is the fact the developer community
borders on insanity at times (think "iceweasel").

CentOS would give me the widest market mindshare, as it's
almost-Redhat. That said, it's essentially Redhat, which I despise.

Have I missed any serious distributions? No, I'm not going to run
Gentoo, Mandrake, Ubuntu, or $flavor-of-the-month.

Other thoughts?

Thanks.

-- 
Joey Kelly
< Minister of the Gospel | Linux Consultant >
http://joeykelly.net
(sent via gmail.com, no GPG signature)
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