CentOS, the popular free and open-source Linux distribution largely based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, has ceased operations. As the open-source community’s go-to platform for reliability, stability, and security, the enterprise Linux distribution has lost favor with Red Hat, allowing the company to redirect its resources towards CentOS Stream.
CentOS Linux update and release discontinuations occurred between 2021 and 2024, concluding with the end-of-life milestone for CentOS Linux 7 on June 30 of this year. With a legacy spanning two decades, the company has consistently excelled as a leading provider of web hosting, cloud computing, storage solutions, network infrastructure, and software development expertise since its inception.
As customers weigh the pros and cons of migrating to CentOS Stream 9, a cutting-edge upstream distribution designed to offer a continuous flow of Red Hat Enterprise Linux updates, other notable alternatives emerge as viable options.
Alternative Linux Distributions for CentOS: Comparison Table
The accompanying chart provides a comparison of five CentOS alternatives across key criteria, including efficiency, migration tools and resources, security and compliance, supported architectures, support and lifecycle, and pricing.
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| Efficiency | Migration instruments and assets | Safety and compliance | Supported architectures | Help and lifecycle | Pricing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extremely dependable and strong. | Sure. | Sure, built-in and automatic instruments. | What’s the difference between x86, ARM, IBM Energy, IBM Z, and IBM LinuxONE? | 24/7 assistance is included at no extra cost with our paid plans. 10-year lifecycle. Improve extensions out there. | Pricing begins at $196.90. | |
| Superior efficiency and reliability. | Sure. | Sure, built-in instruments. | Architectures include x86 (32-bit) and x86-64 (64-bit), as well as the 64-bit aarch64 variant. | Purchasing 24/7 assistance is required. 10-year lifecycle. Improve extension out there. | Oracle Cloud Free Tier is available at no cost, allowing users to access and utilize the service without incurring any charges or fees. Paid variations include Oracle Linux support, Oracle Cloud, and Oracle offerings. | |
| Dependable however underneath intense improvement. | Sure, however requires superior information. | Sure, however requires superior information. | x86-64-v2, ARM64, ppc64le and s390x. | There exist various groups of assist and industrial assists. 10-year assist and improve cycle. | Publicly available for free acquisition, utilization, and dissemination. | |
| Enterprise-grade however underneath improvement. | Sure, however requires superior information. | Sure, however requires superior information. | x86_64, aarch64, ppc64le and s390x. | Free neighborhood assist. Firmware upgrades and year-long support lifecycles vary depending on the specific product or system configuration. | Available for free, unrestricted use and distribution. | |
| Enterprise- grade, dependable and safe. | Sure, built-in superior options. | Sure, built-in, superior options. | Architectures include x86-64, ARM, PowerPC (with variants PowerPC64 and PowerPC64le), s390x, and RISC-V: five. | Business operations, administrative tasks, software applications, customer communication, and technical support. What is the original text you would like me to improve? | Publicly available for acquisition, utilization, and dissemination without restriction. |
In light of its impending end-of-life, seeking a suitable replacement for CentOS has become a pressing concern. Here, we’ll delve into some top-notch alternatives that offer comparable functionality and reliability.
First off, there’s Rocky Linux – an open-source, community-driven project that forked from CentOS 8. Built upon the same source code as RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux), Rocky Linux boasts similar features, compatibility, and a familiar user interface. Its promise to maintain backward compatibility with existing CentOS packages has garnered widespread attention.
Another contender is AlmaLinux – another community-driven project that mirrors CentOS 8’s package repository. With a focus on stability, security, and reliability, AlmaLinux provides a drop-in replacement for CentOS, ensuring seamless transitions for existing users.
Lastly, there’s Oracle Linux – a commercial distribution backed by the tech giant Oracle. Although it shares some similarities with CentOS, its primary focus lies in providing enterprise-grade support and services, making it an attractive option for organizations seeking robust, scalable solutions.
In conclusion, if you’re searching for a reliable substitute to fill the void left by CentOS, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, or Oracle Linux would be excellent choices to consider.
As the decision by IBM-owned Red Hat to restrict the open use of their flagship enterprise operating system, Pink Hat Enterprise Linux, takes hold, a growing rift is emerging among users. The primary concern is whether to migrate to industrial Linux providers or opt for open-source, community-driven enterprise software solutions.
As the landscape of impending migration unfolds, prominent alternatives to CentOS emerge, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Oracle Linux, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, and Fedora.
Pink Hat Enterprise Linux: The Ideal Choice for Large-Scale Enterprises
While CentOS’s primary alternative is indeed Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), this distinction arises from RHEL being the upstream source for CentOS, rather than a separate, competing operating system. Given that assumption proves accurate for numerous clients, who subsequently find proceeding with the order to be a prudent decision, rendering them entirely satisfied.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) has earned widespread recognition among large-scale organizations for delivering a cutting-edge, security-focused operating system. Companies leveraging robust digital portfolios, advanced technical expertise, and diverse workload requirements utilize the operating system to seamlessly scale and execute operations across on-premises, virtualized, containerized, and cloud-based environments. The operating system is licensed across numerous cloud platforms and partnered with thousands of hardware and software vendors.
Options
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a highly reliable and stable operating system, engineered to run in high-stakes environments where uptime and performance are paramount. Additionally, there exists a large and vibrant community of RHEL customers and builders ready to provide assistance.
- Security is at the foundation of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). The system boasts an array of advanced security protocols.
- Red Hat provides continuous support for RHEL, with all variants boasting a 10-year lifecycle guarantee. Plus, Pink Hat connects customers with its comprehensive hardware, software, and cloud ecosystem solutions.
- It supports a diverse range of hardware platforms, including x86, ARM, IBM Power, IBM zSeries, and IBM LinuxONE architectures, running on both servers and workstations.
- The operating system comprises Pink Hat Insights, a managed service offering real-time analytics and remediation capabilities, providing consistent vulnerability alerting and guidance.
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) streamlines risks by automating safety and compliance through built-in features such as timely kernel patching, predefined security profiles, compliance certifications, and a trustworthy software supply chain.
- The seller offers a range of tools to simplify migration and updates, accommodating customers transitioning from CentOS Linux or other operating systems.
Execs
- Secure and dependable software program.
- Excessive-performing safety and compliance.
- Effectively-supported OS.
- Wide selection of options.
- Giant and lively neighborhood.
Cons
- Not cost-free; industrial pricing may be prohibitively expensive for smaller companies.
- Could be advanced to handle.
- Less flexible than other popular Linux options.
Pricing
RHEL variants specifically cater to high-performance workstation requirements, with optimisations tailored to ensure seamless execution. Additionally, diverse forms of innovation include distinct, disparate, and divergent.
Pricing starts at $196.90 for the base model, while the most expensive option commences at $2,748.90.
Oracle Linux: A Premier Choice for IT and Software Development Firms
Are there any alternative stable options for those looking to migrate away from CentOS due to various reasons? Oracle Linux is fully compatible and binary identical to Red Hat Enterprise Linux, ensuring a seamless transition for users. This cloud-based infrastructure can seamlessly handle a wide range of workloads, from demanding databases to robust software servers, as well as DevOps requirements. Customers can effortlessly transition from CentOS to Oracle Linux using built-in migration tools, ensuring a seamless experience. While users of CentOS may find advantages in exploring various alternatives that are not readily available with this distribution.
Oracle offers users of RHEL-compatible systems a choice between two kernel options: the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel for Oracle Linux and the Red Hat Compatible Kernel.
- The project provides the latest open-source innovations, crucial optimisations, and security updates with a focus on performance, reliability, and minimal backward compatibility by closely monitoring the mainline source code as practicable? The Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel, built by Oracle and supported by Oracle Linux. The UEK (Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel) is engineered for maximum efficiency and stability, seamlessly integrating with Oracle Cloud and Oracle Engineered Systems, much like the Oracle Exadata Database Machine. UEK has been thoroughly tested and utilized to power Oracle’s Engineered Systems, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, and massive enterprise deployments for its esteemed clients.
- The compatibility of Oracle Linux is geared towards Pink Hat Enterprise Linux, ensuring seamless integration with the RHCK kernel; this means software programs compiled for RHEL can effortlessly run on Oracle Linux without any issues.
Oracle Linux offers a reliable and secure operating environment for organisations seeking a dependable and stable platform. In many IT and software development companies, this trend prevails due to the advantages outlined below.
Options
- Oracle provides a quick and seamless migration pathway for transitioning from CentOS Linux or other operating systems. The corporation also provides hands-on labs and tutorials to support clients throughout their journey.
- IT firms and software developers utilize automated DevOps tools to accelerate development and deployment processes. Discovering the 5 key drivers behind DevOps adoption can provide valuable insights into the benefits of automation, including streamlined processes, increased efficiency, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
- Oracle Linux is engineered to support both x86 and Arm architectures seamlessly across on-premises, multicloud, and edge computing environments. This device is designed to withstand demanding workloads with ease.
- Customers can seamlessly apply safety vulnerability fixes without any downtime required. Oracle Linux helps customers detect potential exploits while leveraging a trusted operating system with FIPS and frequent standards certifications to meet compliance requirements seamlessly.
- Oracle Linux support does have to be purchased. The annual cost for 24/7 support starts at $499.
The following advanced features are not available in standard CentOS releases but can be installed via additional repositories or configurations:
- Zero-downtime patching with Ksplice.
- Cloud-native platforms akin to Kubernetes and Kata Containers exist, offering streamlined container management and enhanced security features.
- Virtualization technology incorporating kernel-based digital machine supervisors and oVirt-based virtualization infrastructure.
- The Btrfs file system is exclusively available with the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel.
- The DTrace dynamic tracing framework is exclusively available with Oracle’s Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel.
- Oracle Linux Automation Supervisor and Oracle Linux Automation Engine provide a comprehensive automation platform for managing complex IT systems, allowing administrators to automate routine tasks, monitor system performance, and streamline workflows across heterogeneous environments.
- Oracle Linux Supervisor: A Powerful Tool for Simplified Patching and Errata Administration.
Execs
- Permits unrestricted access, use, and sharing.
- Proudly boasts a trifecta of exceptional performance, unwavering stability, paramount safety, and unshakeable reliability.
- Offers automation for DevOps.
- Delivers excellent assist.
- CentOS offers a range of features and functionalities that are not available in other operating systems.
- Provides a seamless 100% compatible migration pathway for users of CentOS and other Linux operating systems to transition to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
Cons
- Help have to be bought.
- Could be advanced to handle.
- Compliance options require superior information.
Pricing
The primary model is freely accessible, permitting unrestricted acquisition, utilization, and dissemination; comprising unencumbered software code and updates. The pricing may include a primary plan priced at $499 for one year and $1,497 for three years.
Rocky Linux: A Seamless Transition for Devoted CentOS Enthusiasts
Rocky Linux, a community-driven Linux distribution, emerged as a response to the end-of-life announcement for CentOS, ensuring a continuity of support and stability for users reliant on this popular operating system. The venture is spearheaded by Gregory Kurtzer, the visionary founder and pioneer behind CentOS.
The open-source operating system is engineered as a seamless replacement for CentOS, allowing for effortless integration into existing infrastructures. CentOS, a community-driven Linux distribution, has secured backing from prominent tech companies including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, VMware, Open Source Labs, and other key stakeholders.
Rocky Linux, an open-source enterprise operating system, aims to mirror RHEL’s compatibility, boasting a 100% bug-for-bug parity. However, being under active development by the community, its stability is still evolving and not entirely guaranteed.
Options
- Rocky Linux provides comprehensive assistance and guidance for users transitioning from CentOS, CentOS Stream, Alma Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), or Oracle Linux. To ensure a seamless transition, organizations require superior expertise, as well as a willingness to adopt a moderately risk-taking approach, in line with Rocky Linux’s recommendations. Fortunately, a free migration script is available for download.
- Notwithstanding room for enhancement, the operating system is enterprise-ready and provides consistent reliability through regular updates.
- With the assistance of well-known CentOS leaders and the broader community.
- The operating system provides all essential CentOS configurations familiar to developers and the community, resulting in a seamless learning curve.
Execs
- Free and open-source.
- Dependable and safe.
- Effectively-supported.
- Ideal for customers well-versed in the CentOS ecosystem.
- Backed by a thriving community of CentOS enthusiasts.
Cons
- Underneath intense improvement.
- Not risk-free.
- Requires superior information.
Pricing
Rocky Linux offers a unique value proposition: a 100% free operating system that provides free upgrades and a 10-year support lifespan, all at no cost to users.
The AlmaLinux Project – A New Era of CentOS Compatibility.
AlmaLinux is another forked variant of CentOS, overseen and governed by a community of developers. Like Rocky Linux, the operating system underwent a significant transformation when CentOS’s ability to provide support and release new versions was discontinued.
The neighbourhood behind AlmaLinux is committed to ensuring the operating system remains freely accessible to enterprises at all times, while prioritizing long-term stability and delivering a robust, production-ready platform. The company opted for an open-source Fedora-like distribution as a cost-effective alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) for those who do not wish to purchase RHEL licenses. AlmaLinux, a community-driven Linux distribution, is proudly supported by CloudLinux Inc., its founder and key contributor. and different sponsors.
Options
- The AlmaLinux ecosystem lacks inherent, step-by-step guidance for a seamless customer migration experience. Although AlmaLinux provides guides, only those with advanced knowledge can successfully follow them.
- AlmaLinux OS is a robust and reliable enterprise-grade server operating system. This is a popular and stable Linux distribution offering regular updates and support. It’s designed for essential workloads. The group provides official images to major cloud providers, including AWS, generic clouds, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, OpenNebula, and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.
- The AlmaLinux GitHub group hosts supply code and tools necessary for building AlmaLinux OS and its surrounding infrastructure. The Reddit community provides a platform for customers to stay informed, share knowledge, and receive support from one another. Neighborhoods throughout a city may have their own respective community boards, each serving distinct areas and populations.
- AlmaLinux supports four distinct architectures: x86_64, aarch64, ppc64le, and s390x.
- AlmaLinux is a reliable operating system, underpinned by the expertise of local consultants with extensive experience. With a proven track record of reliability in high-stakes settings, this system boasts an impressive heritage of trustworthiness. The distribution also features numerous security precautions, including SELinux and AppArmor configurations.
Execs
- Open-source and free.
- Migration assist.
- Excessive-grade enterprise distribution OS.
- CentOS-style options.
- Giant neighborhood assist.
Cons
- New to the market.
- Not risk-free.
- Requires superior information.
- Instruments that rival the effectiveness of automation and compliance may vary significantly depending on the level of consumer expertise.
Pricing
AlmaLinux is free. Assisted driving features and range upgrades vary depending on the specific vehicle model.
Fedora: The Premier Choice for Programming and a Rolling Launch Distribution
Fedora, a groundbreaking platform, has earned the admiration of programmers due to its provision of cutting-edge technology, reliability, and stability, while also being a free and open-source operating system rich in features.
Fedora is a community-driven Linux distribution developed by the software conglomerate Red Hat. In contrast to CentOS, CentOS Stream offers a more modern and dynamic approach by providing a rolling release distribution, thereby granting users access to the latest technological advancements? Steadfast innovation unfolds with each new release. The innovative features and updates in Fedora become available before they’re released in Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Fedora invests heavily in cutting-edge graphics technology, offering intuitive and top-notch graphical capabilities through its modern desktops.
Options
- Fedora is available in various forms, including Workstation and Server editions, as well as specialized versions for Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud computing, and container-optimized operating systems. Models remain current for approximately 13 months, with seamless transitions between updates and variations.
- Customers can leverage Fedora Server to run virtual machines and containers, build custom applications, deploy servers and workloads, and establish reliable environments.
- Provides expert-level support through real-time concern monitoring, instant chat assistance, comprehensive asset management, detailed documentation, and a robust neighborhood forum for collaborative problem-solving and knowledge sharing.
- Fedora being a rolling-release distribution means that it constantly offers fresh features and upgrades in a consistent flow. Customers gain instant access to the latest software applications available.
- The processor architectures supporting Linux include x86-64, ARM (including ARMv7, ARMv8), PowerPC (with 64-bit variants such as PowerPC64 and PowerPC64le), s390x, and RISC-V: Fragment.
Execs
- Free and open supply.
- Constructed-in migration instruments and assets.
- Cutting-edge working system, offering seamless and frequent updates through rolling releases.
- Group supported.
Cons
- Superior expertise are required.
- Setup might be advanced.
Pricing
Fedora offers a unique value proposition as a free and open-source operating system that provides seamless upgrades across models and versions.
Is CentOS nonetheless related?
Despite its discontinuation, CentOS continues to be a relevant Linux distribution. CentOS is often likened to a reliable classic car that’s no longer in production, having been retired by its manufacturer, OpenLogic, in 2019. Although you can still utilize the vehicle with full functionality, you will no longer receive updates, new releases, or support.
Despite these considerations, it’s well worth considering transferring your projects to another supported operating system to guarantee their protection through ongoing security and other updates. To successfully transition initiatives to CentOS Stream, follow these steps as a root-privileged user.
dnf set up -y centos-release-stream
dnf swap -y centos-{linux,stream}-repos
dnf distro-sync -y
.
As of now, there are no official statements from the CentOS Project regarding the development of CentOS 9. However, considering the CentOS 8 release and its subsequent updates, it is possible that a CentOS 9 might emerge in the future.
CentOS will no longer release a version 9. The Pink Hat community announced that it would no longer maintain CentOS as a downstream distribution of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). This suggests that there may be no further iterations of CentOS following the release of CentOS 8.
Notwithstanding the absence of RHEL’s official backing, forks of CentOS such as Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are being developed under the guidance of a prominent neighbourhood and with support from industrial partners. These forks are engineered to seamlessly integrate with CentOS, functioning as a direct replacement for the operating system.
Is CentOS good in 2024?
CentOS should no longer be considered a viable option due to its lack of support. Pink Hat has redirected its attention towards CentOS Stream, adopting a rolling release strategy that prioritizes cutting-edge innovation over stability. Is finding the best CentOS Linux version crucial to your projects?
As the Linux community continues to evolve, CentOS must adapt to remain relevant. A crucial step forward would be to rebrand as a CentOS Stream-based distribution, leveraging the upstream community’s efforts and fostering collaboration with the open-source ecosystem. This would enable CentOS to stay current with the latest security patches and software updates while also ensuring its stability and reliability.
One potential outcome is that a forked version of an operating system could become the de facto standard in a particular community or region. From Pink Hat’s vantage point, the path ahead for CentOS lies in CentOS Stream, a novel Linux distribution crafted by Pink Hat, now an IBM subsidiary.
CentOS Stream shouldn’t replace CentOS, as it’s a distinct distribution with a unique focus. Our aim is to stay ahead of the curve by offering customers a preview of upcoming features and updates through our rolling launch distribution, allowing them to access new options and enhancements before they are released in RHEL. Similarly to Fedora, CentOS offers a continuous release model, with both distributions being developed by Red Hat and sharing similar characteristics, including their reliance on rolling updates.
Which CentOS variant should you choose for your organization depends on your specific requirements and constraints.
Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer to this inquiry either. As organizations consider alternatives to CentOS, it is crucial to involve developers in the decision-making process to determine which operating system they prefer using, as they will ultimately be responsible for managing and maintaining the system.
Additionally, pricing considerations may hold significant sway for smaller enterprises, given their often limited budgets. Amongst the CentOS community’s loyal customers and builders, a strong sense of camaraderie, mutual support, and respect prevails in their unwavering dedication to freely available open-source projects. Despite having the budget to invest in expensive licensing options, developers may still opt for open-source solutions, empowered by their confidence and comfort working with freely available technology.
As the end-of-life for CentOS approaches, some customers may seize this opportunity to transition to alternative operating systems like Oracle Linux or Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The additional conservative choices provide features that are not available in standard CentOS offerings.
Ultimately, the operating system (OS) you choose for your small business should harmonize with your strategic goals and objectives, offering versatility, reliability, and robust security features while providing seamless migration options and dedicated support. As companies navigate the digital landscape, scaling, automation, upgrades, and compliance emerge as crucial elements to examine, ensuring seamless growth while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Conclusion
For several years, CentOS has provided essential support to numerous organizations, businesses, and developers. While traditional operating systems may have peaked in their popularity, a plethora of reliable, mature, and innovative Linux-based distributions continues to thrive in the marketplace.
With options ranging from CentOS-inspired neighborhood operating systems like Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux, to cutting-edge platforms such as Fedora, and well-established brands like Oracle and Red Hat Linux, the selection is vast and varied. The choice of a suitable Linux distribution ultimately rests with each individual business, depending on their specific operational requirements.
Methodology
To assess and compare CentOS rivals and alternatives, we analyzed aggregated data from reputable sources featuring verified user feedback. Additionally, we exhaustively evaluated demos on vendors’ sites, hands-on tested software whenever feasible, and thoroughly scrutinized the official websites of all operating system providers to assess their software, customer support, user experience, value, scalability, and more.
