Exploring the Compatibility of Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) Systems

In the ever-evolving landscape of enterprise IT, Linux-based operating systems remain pivotal, thanks largely to their stability, security, and open-source nature. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) has been a top contender in this space, renowned for its robust performance and extensive support. However, the shift in Red Hat’s strategy towards CentOS—a free derivative of RHEL commonly used in the enterprise—led to the rise of two significant alternatives: Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux. For organizations relying heavily on Linux systems, understanding the compatibility of these new entrants with Red Hat systems is crucial. Here, we delve into how Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux stack up against RHEL.

What Drove the Need for Alternatives?

CentOS was traditionally a go-to choice for businesses that needed enterprise-grade reliability without the direct cost of a RHEL subscription. However, Red Hat's decision in December 2020 to shift focus from CentOS Linux to CentOS Stream, which serves as a rolling-release distribution, left many users seeking more stable alternatives that align more closely with traditional RHEL. Enter Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux.

Rocky Linux: A Community Driven Endeavor

Rocky Linux was initiated by Gregory Kurtzer, one of the original founders of CentOS, as a reaction to Red Hat's strategic shift. It aims to provide an enterprise-ready computing platform that is 100% bug-for-bug compatible with RHEL. Being community-driven, it is developed and maintained by volunteers and backed by commercial sponsorships.

Compatibility with RHEL

Rocky Linux seeks to mirror RHEL as closely as possible, ensuring that users get the same experience and performance. System administrators can expect compatibility in terms of software packages, handling of system services, and security features. This makes it an ideal drop-in replacement for RHEL, particularly in environments where stability and predictability are paramount.

AlmaLinux: The Corporate-Backed Contender

AlmaLinux is spearheaded by CloudLinux, a company known for its Linux distribution tailored for web hosting providers. Launched in early 2021, AlmaLinux serves as another 1:1 binary compatible fork of RHEL, designed to fill the void left by CentOS.

Compatibility with RHEL

As with Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux boasts full binary compatibility with RHEL, ensuring that software designed for RHEL runs seamlessly. The operating system supports major enterprise computing platforms and standard management tools, making it easy for system administrators to integrate into existing RHEL workflows. AlmaLinux is also supported by CloudLinux, ensuring stable, continuous updates and some level of enterprise support.

Performance and Security

Both Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are committed to aligning their release cycles with RHEL, which ensures that any updates, security patches, and feature enhancements in RHEL are promptly mirrored. Their performance is on par with RHEL, both in terms of system stability and the handling of intensive computing tasks.

Migration Path

Migrating from RHEL to either Rocky Linux or AlmaLinux is straightforward, thanks to their compatibility. Organizations can replace RHEL with either alternative with minimal disruption, without the need for extensive retesting or recertification of existing applications.

Community and Support

While RHEL comes with Red Hat’s comprehensive support, Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux offer community-based support, supplemented with commercial support options. This is particularly appealing for businesses that require enterprise-level support minus the hefty subscription fees associated with RHEL.

Conclusion

The inception of Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux is a game changer for enterprises that depend on the stability and security of RHEL but are looking for viable alternatives that maintain that compatibility without added costs. With their robust performance, compatibility, and community support, both Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux have emerged as competent successors to CentOS, ready to take over the mantle in enterprise environments. Whether your organization values community-driven projects or prefers commercially backed distributions, these RHEL alternatives are well-equipped to meet diverse enterprise needs.