Navigating CentOS 7 EOL: Here's a quick comparison of our top choices.

With CentOS 7 approaching its end of life this month on June 30, 2024, finding a reliable replacement is crucial for continued stability and security. Hopefully, your organization has already broached this subject and is headlong into or nearly completing your migration.

Perhaps you're like many of the organizations I've worked with in the past, juggling many "mission-critical" initiatives (that word always makes me chuckle) and are just now starting to tackle this one at the last minute.

In that case, here's a quick rundown of the two top contenders to help you choose the best option for your needs.

AlmaLinux: Community-Driven Stability

AlmaLinux, developed by the AlmaLinux Foundation, is a free, open-source OS that is a 1:1 binary-compatible fork of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). If you're already familiar with CentOS or RHEL, you've probably already given it a test drive. A few key highlights:

• Community Support: Backed by a strong, active community and several organizations, ensuring robust support and frequent updates.

• Non-Profit Organization: Governed by the non-profit AlmaLinux Foundation, keeping it free and open for everyone.

• RHEL Compatibility: Ideal for those needing a stable, predictable environment that closely follows RHEL’s release cycle.

Oracle Linux: Enterprise-Grade Assurance

Oracle Linux, developed by Oracle Corporation, is a strong CentOS 7 replacement. It offers a free community version but excels with enterprise-grade support and features. Some of its highlights to mention:

• Corporate Backing: Supported by Oracle Corporation, offering extensive support options. Depending on your experience, I could see many having strong feelings about this one.

• Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK): Optional kernel for enhanced performance, security, and reliability.

• Integration with Oracle Products: Ideal for businesses using Oracle products, this OS offers seamless integration and optimized performance.

Making the Choice

Choosing between AlmaLinux and Oracle Linux largely depends on your specific needs:

• Community-Driven Choice: If you prefer a solution backed by a strong community that closely mirrors RHEL, AlmaLinux is an excellent choice.

• Enterprise-Driven Choice: If you need strong commercial support, and additional performance features, and if you're already using Oracle products, this is important to consider.

As CentOS 7 reaches its end of life, AlmaLinux and Oracle Linux present viable paths forward. As with all critical choices an organization must make, evaluating those needs and priorities is crucial to selecting the best OS that best aligns with your organization's needs.