I would like to also point out that the decision to cut the development of scientific Linux came after pressure from fermilab administration. They had the classical, why not just rely on Redhat CentOS and save the efforts. Ironically after the plans were announced and the community was shocked. In less than a year RedHat announced that they will stop developing CentOS.
And now instead of making a review of their decision and see the actual needs and think about cutting the reliance on RedHat, they went fully dependent on RHEL (one can say that CERN takes part of the blame too).
As someone working in scientific computing, I seem to recall rumors from the grapevine that the Department of Energy and/or reviewers essentially said, "CentOS is identical to Scientific Linux. Why are we paying for this?" and pushed hard to sunset it.
It's really sad because Fermi Linux was one of the first (if not _the_ first) free RH rebuilds out there back in the day. Huge props to Connie Sieh and the maintainers that followed for pulling that off. Really wonderful folks.
It does certainly feel convenient for RH that the end of SL coincided with radical changes to CentOS.
AlmaLinux is a perfect replacement for scientific agencies. It's got the fastest turnaround time for security patches, an open community, and sustainable funding sources.
And now instead of making a review of their decision and see the actual needs and think about cutting the reliance on RedHat, they went fully dependent on RHEL (one can say that CERN takes part of the blame too).