The Unraid Story: Lime Technology Co-CEO's Discuss the Past and Future of Unraid OS
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- Опубліковано 18 лют 2024
- On this very special episode of the Uncast Show, we are joined by the Founder and CEO of Lime Technology, Tom Mortensen, and Co-CEO Tiffany Jones to talk about the origins of Unraid OS, the evolution of the product over the past 18+ years, and some upcoming changes to the company to better align the product and user's desires in Unraid 7 and beyond.
Tom and Tiffany share their personal career journeys and take us down memory lane as Unraid incorporated VMs and Docker containerization, GPU passthrough (a decision that dramatically shifted the course of the company with Linus Tech Tips), made key hires to expand the team, and talk about some key projects and initiatives that got the company where it is today.
The conversation shifts gears to the future and goes into the upcoming changes to Unraid's pricing model for new licenses and why this change is crucial and necessary for sustaining the company and improving the product for all in the years to come.
For full details on the upcoming pricing change, please refer to our blog:
unraid.net/blog/pricing-change
Wrapping up the episode, we'll get a first look at Unraid 7 and explore some exciting future OS features and projects such as making the unRAID array optional, integrating and maintaining plugins into the OS, VM Snapshots and cloning, the "Hardware Database," the "My Friends Network," a new Unraid website, a public, open-source Unraid API and much, much more.
Show Timestamps:
00:30 Lime Technology Co-CEO's Intro and hot seat questions
04:42 Tom's background before creating Unraid
11:00 ZFS advantages and disadvantages
14:29 The Origin Story of Unraid
21:51 The Evolution of Unraid from selling hardware to focusing solely on the OS
25:29 Unraid adds VMs and Docker Management
29:14 Unraid Adds GPU Passthrough and catches the attention of @LinusTechTips in 2015
31:20 2018-19: Unraid makes key hires, rebrands, and doubles down on the business
35:10 Growing and scaling an all-remote, geographically spread out team
40:30 Unraid's key differentiator: the Community
45:55 Coming Changes to Unraid: Why and what is coming to ensure we remain community focused and supported in the years ahead
51:15 Why we came to this decision + what happens to current users?
1:00:35 Further aligning the company and users with Unraid 7
1:02:16 Exciting Unraid 7 features coming
1:10:37 Other exciting projects planned such as making the unRAID array optional, integrating and maintaining plugins into the OS, VM Snapshots and cloning, the "Hardware Database," the "My Friends Network," a public, open-source Unraid API, and more - Наука та технологія
"Staying on current revenue stream would require us to spend money on advertisement over development to get more users" [Paraphrasing]
This makes complete sense. I think they made this change with the best possible outcome, and it is very fair. It is very commendable to go about it this way - ensuring both happy customers and continued growth. Its refreshing knowing a company actually cares about its customers (and employees) and makes changes with them in mind.
All current users grandfathered in, how does this save on advertising short term? Comes down to new users that want to build their own servers instead of have subscriptions being cool with subscription model. Is it serious or are they trying to cash out with a fire sale on "lifetime"?
I view it as a reward to the early customers who helped build unraid into what it is today.
Thank you! We put a lot of time, effort, and resources into this decision, and we appreciate your kind words and support. -Tiffany
@@grfrog Bro, existing users require money to be spent on advertising for new customer acquisitions, and not on product development. The new model is essentially an optional subscription service so that they can spend money on features instead. They explained that clear as day. Consider your existing copy an early adopter investment now that its grandfathered.
@@sdmerkrBro, you completely missed my point.
The ability for multiple arrays or no arrays in Unraid 7.0 is really exciting! I've wanted to be able to have a 3 tiered storage option for a long time.
Thanks! Coming ASAP
The security updates should be separate from features. I feel in the long term unraid maybe known as an insecure option with legacy systems running old versions due to financial reasons.
The challenge there will be backporting OS versions with security features as time marches on. At some point, you're going to have to make the call and EOL things. It's not an impossible problem, but I understand the hesitancy to just promise long term security updates.
If they treat it like say, gasp, microsoft has I think it can be a great way forward. Though it would still take additional resources as @gavination_domination points out. Any large vulnerabilities do get pushed regardless of licensing, à la win7 win8 etc after reaching EoL. However, it is up to the company to explain the risk of exposing an out-of-date system to the internet and the users to understand that.
I would hope that, even with the lower bar of entry that unraid is, most users that have reached the point of DIY'ing their NAS should know the basics enough to comprehend simple IT messaging. There's nothing that says you can't have a house full of windows 95 or xp or ubuntu 4.10 machines. Just a fools folly to connect them to the internet. For alot of people and use cases that do not need frequent patching, VM hosting, NAS usage, backup arrays, that would be perfectly fine.
@@gavination_dominationnot really Slackware OS dev is extremely slow even if they moved to another Linux distribution they could just use a LTS so no this isn’t really an issue.
As a TrueNAS Core refugee - I just so really appreciate UNRAID. The product and the people are just outstanding. I am old but I want to continue to learn and UNRAID is just so cool with all the stuff it can do.l ED and the CEOs are just the best. Thank you.
New licensing stuff starts at 45:33
Unraid user since 2009. Looking forward to what the future brings. Keep up the great work!
Thank you! The future is bright here at Unraid :) -Tiffany
Honestly, Linus tech tips brought me to you guys and I’m so glad I bought a pro license in the past so I don’t have to do the reoccurring and because it’s a great product. I usually get worried when a company comes up with the idea of going subscription based however you guys seem to have done a crazy good job and I definitely feel like you guys did what’s best for the customer and the company. I’m excited to see what the future holds! I’ll probably spin up a few more servers once I’m no longer a student and can afford some newer parts and licenses. Unraid makes life so much more simple and fun!
Thank you David! We really appreciate your kind words and support! -Tiffany
Love the family element of the software and the transparency that they conduct their affairs. Will continue to use this software as long as they are involved.
Thank you! I'm so glad that resonated. It's a true honor to be building on my Father's legacy. Thanks for being here! -Tiffany
Thanks Ed, Tom and Tiffany. As an Unraid user since 2011, I really appreciated the detail covering the history of Lime Tedhnolgy and Unraid as well as the discussion around the new pricing model and the upcoming Unraid 7.
Hats off to Unraid for being transparent about the change and honoring the current license holders. I think everyone will understand that for the size and market of the company, a one time payment is just not sustainable. For existing users, maybe consider a tier where we can contribute optionally for some small perk? I am happy to contribute to a project that I enjoy and make use of daily.
Pricing Structure at 46:15
Thanks for the kind words
Yeah, I actually bought 2 extra lifetime pro licenses waayy back, just to support the company. I'd be fine with a reasonable yearly payment to help support the company. Somebody mentioned perks like badges elsewhere. I don't much care what it is. I just want to see the company stay around for a long time.
@@MichaelDeHaven wow that's amazing! Thank you for your support! -Tiffany
I was initially worried when I heard about the licensing changes, fearing that enshitification is encroaching, but this calms those fears completely. It's a completely understandable and necessary business move to keep things moving in a sustainable way. Great show.
Thanks, Ed, great to hear Tom and Tiffany. The most satisfying aspect of this, as funny as it may sound, was, that there wasnt really so much new. Sure, the history, a bit more about the future, the family... but all the rest was exactly how I, as a 12 year user and community member, have always perceived it. And it is really great to see that is by intention, valued and exactly the same view from the "top". What a wonderful team, great community, strong product. Glad to be part of it.
The end of this podcast with detailing upcoming/planned features, just kept dropping bomb after bomb! Too excited for the future!
Regarding licenses, as long as there is always a reasonably priced lifetime license available I'm good with it on my end. Everybody's gotta pay the bills and Lime doesn't have an enterprise division like iX or Proxmox so it's understandable completely, especially if it grows the team and allows for further development on more features.
Keep up the great work team!
I for one think they should have added an update price a very long time ago! The fact that My key from 2008 still works is CRAZY! :) The software is not even close to what I paid for it. Why I have 4 Pro keys, although I currently only have one unRaid server running (used to be 2 main ones, and a couple test/play ones), just to support such a great company!
I also think they should do the NabuCasa route and charge a small monthly fee for the cloud access/flash backup service.
If some people are upset about the keys, maybe charge more for a unlimited update key for minor versions. I.e. v6 is "lifetime" but when v7 comes out, must pay an update fee, or buy again (aka almost all software that hasn't just simply gone the subscription model).
I am VERY happy they did not go the subscription only path! Thank you!
And here I am thinking I got a steal in 2021 😂
Hi Ed, Tom & Tiffany. I've been using Unraid (2 Pro keys) for ten years or so. What a great Uncast episode Ed. I've had Spencer in my contacts list for years. How wonderful it is to see the whole Limetech family and who everyone is.. Tiffany is right , once you connect the names vs the forum ID's it all makes sense. I wish you all well in the new year and keep up the great wok.. Unraid OS has been great for my Video library and family picture needs.
Thanks for listening and for the kind words.
1:09:36 wonder if the hardware scan could be an option in the usb creation tool
I didn't quite understand the bit about users in the trial period during the switchover. If you're in the trial period when the new pricing model begins, will you be allowed to use the classic pricing model or are you forced to use the new pricing model if you decide to purchase Unraid at the end of your trial period?
We will pre-announce the changeover date and you will be able to buy into the legacy pricing until that changeover date.
I am so looking forward to the Friends networking. Having somewhere other than the public cloud to use as a backup. It means I can act as the backup to my client's systems for the cost of a harddrive, electricity and bandwidth.
Glad to hear it! This has been in the pipeline for some time now and we can't wait to get it out into the world. Thank you for your support! -Tiffany
@@uncastshow As friends might have different systems, I do hope you're considering an open/pluggable system to allow integrations with other NAS's?
Have had some in the past with similar features, but limited to the same brand/series of devices; most friends don't shop at the same time unless there's a good reason ;)
Thanks for considering!
Thanks to the Unraid-Team and Ed. - Great job at all sides!
So if I understand correctly, future keys will be less expensive than what is offered today, but then will require the extra fee (after a year of install) to extend support to any new version?
Yup! The extra fee (or extension fee as we're calling it) will be completely optional and quite small (like less than $5/mo when broken down monthly). -Tiffany
I've been a long time NAS user, I can't believe I waited to long to use Unraid, best decision I've ever mad. Such a useful piece of software. I would easily sign up for annual subscription just to support this great company and product. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Thank you for the kind words! So glad to hear that you're loving Unraid as much as we do :) -Tiffany
Unraid forum admins are generally very helpful and I haven't ever noticed anyone exhibiting any kind of sense of entitlement nor superiority. This makes a world of difference when compared to the forums for so many other products and projects. I've been around the block for a long time, and it's always refreshing to see.
Great to hear! We take this very seriously and part of our ethos is to be a positive, welcoming place.
Really liking the format of these podcasts. Just the right amount of editing!
great to hear from the creators directly.
Great to hear that the decision to change license costs was thought about for so very long and the priorities to continue to improve the product was given priority. Been using unRAID since 2015 and looking forward to keep using it.
Thank you for the kind words! -Tiffany
when is the change coming? looks like the blog post doesnt list the date
Stay tuned - we'll announce timing and other details in the next week or so. Thanks for your patience!
Great episode and appreciate the transparency from the Unraid team. I've been a user since 2022 and its the best community and home server software for a noob like me to learn from.
Thanks for listening 😊
Great job on this episode. . . It was great to hear from Tom directly on the history and future of Unraid!
I’ve been an unRaid user for a long time. I continuously look for options which suit me better. So far, keep coming back. Keep up the great work!
Props to the heavy editing on this Podcast, a lot of cuts and done so seamlessly
Disagree. (unless you're being facetious and then I agree)
I got told about unraid by a friend and that is what got me interested. Word of mouth is key, let’s support unraid tell your friends.
Lots of exciting stuff on roadmap, most excited about responsiveness. Browsing on Phone will be a breeze.🤘
Ed, Tom & Tiffany - thank you for a great session. Really looking forward to unRAID "7" and the changes to ensure the product, team and company remain financially viable. 👍
Thank you! We'e very excited for what the future holds. We appreciate the kind words. -Tiffany
Thanks Ed and thanks to the unraid team. Can’t wait for 7 and multiple arrays.
Been an Unraid user on and off since 2013. Whenever I get tempted by other platforms, I always find my way back to Unraid inevitably.
Definitely agree. Would be nice to have additional boot options.
I purchased unpaid on a two for one deal back in 2008, one of the best things I’ve ever purchased, can’t say I didn’t get my money’s worth, just got another pro license just to show some support. It was nice to here the history of unraid
recently switch to unRAID after long consideration, 30day trial, got me hooked. Super supportive of the new way forward. We've all paid for OS upgrades years ago, and made no gripes. Looking forward to the new (TBD) price plans as i'm looking to build another unRAID server for offsite backup. Really a beautiful product. keep up the awesome work!
Thank you for the kind words! We really appreciate it. -Tiffany
straight from Jamaica Ive been using this software for about 6 years now been great
That's awesome! So glad you love it and supporting us! -Tiffany
Super underated channel, wow
Great info....timely and great vision (and history).
Thank you for watching & supporting! -Tiffany
This made me love unraid even more, listening to them speak.
So does anything at all change if I'm on plus?
Nope
Thanks for making this and explaining so much.
Thanks for watching! -Tiffany
Great video as always Ed! Thanks for doing this interview and sharing about unraids story and future plans also thank you Tom and Tiffany for addressing everyone's concerns about the new pricing and changes in unraids future much appreciated 💖👍😎JP
Thank you for the support! We really appreciate it :) -Tiffany
@@uncastshow Your very welcome Tiffany! Have a wonderful week😎
Reppin’ since 09. Keep em coming!
Really happy that they are bringing support for Intel Arc GPU's. I upgraded my server about 6 months ago, been waiting for this. As far as the price change, I'm disappointed but I understand the change. This is a great podcast.
The Unraid Array is what I can't replicate and find somewhere else. It's great for space and energy efficiency. It's why I use Unraid. Thanks for saving me hundreds of watts in power draw!
This is a company you love to support. Just got another key
Will the upgrade prices be changing? When is the switch date? Love the hardware database idea.
We'll be posting answers to these and other questions within the next week or so. Stay tuned... Thanks! -Tiffany
UnCon San Diego... Let's do it!
Right?! What would you want to see/do at the UnCon? -Tiffany
You're the man, Ed!
So you can buy a one year extension? What are the options for year 3? Are Unraid servers not expected to last more then 2 years? What year do you hit parity with lifetime pricing option? What about security updates? Unless you go after grandfathered I don't see how this works to your advantage long term.
If you want the upgrades every year, you have to pay every year, or you make a break for lets say 1,5 years, and buy a new upgrade after that time, then you have again one year upgrades.
Thank you for this work.....really cool!
Thank you for the support! -Tiffany
Are you maybe considering to move away from Slackware to a more "modern" OS like debian or a linux distro in general? Thanks anyway for the transparency and for what is worth, the yearly subscription is welcome because the community is the best ever and Unraid is a great platform and worth every penny! Cheers from Italy
Have you looked at a patron method as well? While I have a pro I have no issue in doing 2 to 6 a month. I'm just surprised it has been like this for this long. As a donation that is.
Can someone give the tldr?
They're a small company, really nice people who appreciate the community. They've got to change the pricing to keep the business sustainable, but they're looking after existing users. Lots of interesting new developments on the way.
@@j-sebr Perfect summary! Thank you for providing that. You can find more details here: unraid.net/blog/pricing-change
❤️👌🏻
59:54 that's the important part.
if a version is incomplete in that year of updates subscription ?
Only thing about the subscription model with paid updates that would concern me is Microsoft- they had to start giving away their OS to save supporting so many version of windows.
This might fragment things, and now plugins and docker versions may become incompatible as well?
I don't know this, just a worry I would have. Most forum posts at the moment very early on suggest the latest OS.
I think if there were some notable value adds, even as a pro license holder, I'd be willing to pay $1.00-$2.00 per month ongoing. I wouldn't want it to be something that's already roadmapped or feature gating, but new value add. I'd feel more comfortable contributing this because I want to ensure that LimeTech can move forward in a sustainable way despite my perpetual license, meaning I am more likely to get timely security updates and regular feature advancement.
Are you planning to issue a coupon code before the price change? I want to buy it right away, but I'm hesitant to buy it just in case.
There will be no discounts before the price change. Now's the time! :)
good. Actually, I wish I had bought it when it was on sale before, but it's a shame. However, I heard a lot of people saying that it was a very good software to buy at the regular price, so I was convinced and decided to buy it.
1:13:10 UK please.
Interesting video great product again like others brought to my attention by Linus and now own 2 pro licenses - it’s unique disk use rather than raid is the key feature for my home use and great but zfs over rated for home use
Wish Unraid would consider a Debian based OS base like Ubuntu Server. Better ZFS support and newer Linux kernels and packages would mean better power consumption, better cpu scheduling. Better security.
How large is the Unraid Community?
Thank you for your transparancy and explaination. It seems the community as a whole (me included) are in support of this. However, the community needs to understand how security updates and bug fixes will be addressed for new users who choose not to buy the new version/features.
Imho, these should be pushed out to everyone. Only feature updates should be paid for.
Thanks for watching and for your kind words. We are working on a more extensive FAQ post that will come out within the next week or so and this question will be answered there. Cheers -Tiffany
"If I'm FORCED to answer, StarTrek"
hehehehe I see what he did there :D
Enjoyed this. Looking forward to the future v7 offerings. Being able to "share" a folder with a family/friend to an off-site location would be a fantastic solution for those (like me) who would enjoy having a wee bit more peace-of-mind when it comes to precious data. 1:11:08
Yes the "friends network" is something we are very excited to get out into the wild. Thanks for your support! -Tiffany
HahAAA He's a Trekie 😊
am I the only one who thinks that currently, the price for Unraid is ridiculously cheap already??
Yes and no.
When you first start out, you don't know.
Also, to be fair, proxmox is pretty good just lacking the unraid file system. As he says, not rocket science...
Bravo Unraid team
Thank you for your support! -Tiffany
"like", "you know"
And yes, I heard about unRAID from that UA-cam video by @LinusTechTips....and the rest is history!
This sounds exciting.