Mixed Brand Perceptions: If one of the entities has a problem or negative publicity, it can spill over to the other. For example, if openSUSE faces a security issue, customers might associate this problem with SUSE as well, even if SUSE is not affected.
Exactly. That is our warranty, that SUSE will do whatever it can to protect openSUSE.
Regarding security issue, but that's correct! In case SUSE is using openSUSE binaries (and vice versa), there are for sure some security issues that affect both, naturally? This again "forces" SUSE to cooperate with the community tightly and was always the case. Again, that is correct.
This is just one point of view. There are many other implications to consider besides security and code. Ones that are outside the control of either that find there way into media narratives. I understand the point above, but there other considerations.
Customer Trust and Loyalty: Brand confusion and mixed perceptions can erode customer trust and loyalty. Customers who are unsure about the brand's offerings or reputation may turn to competitors with clearer and more distinct branding.
openSUSE community is strengthening the brand. Again - how and where is the openSUSE community "hurting" the SUSE brand?
Unles you make it more specific, this is just a PR BS, nothing more.
So let's go down that rabbit hole a little. With the narrative of the future Leap this past year and a half, do you think it had implications on SUSE? For those firms that understand the relationship, there was probably a solid benefit; for those that didn't, it might have scared them away. Some might categorize this as net neutral, but I think Leap has mixed implications for SUSE. In this example, probably harmful to growth.
Why should we consider change of name and branding when something other changes? That makes no sense, change for the sake of change. Or you mean like the 42.1 versioning effort? :D
Seeing that this whole thread is based on a request, shouldn't the answer be clear. Change for the sake of change is a good thing in my opinion. It is beneficial, brings new experiences and new ways of thinking about issues. Comfort zones are beautiful places, but very little ever grows there. Maybe think about SUSE being a big brother here trying to guide a sibling to a new, more successful place.
If this is meant to be discussion (and "proposal"), then make a poll so the community can decide by themselves.
Noted, but certainly this can wait to see what the sentiment is among the community through dialog. v/r Doug