CentOS 7, a widely used operating system, is nearing its end of support, posing a crucial decision for businesses reliant on this platform. As of June 30th, official support for CentOS 7 will cease, leaving users without essential OS and security updates.
For businesses facing this dilemma, several options are available to navigate the transition effectively. One approach is to migrate from CentOS 7 to alternative operating systems like Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise, or Oracle Linux. Alternatively, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux offer migration paths specifically designed for CentOS 7 users.
Another viable option is to shift from CentOS to Ubuntu Server, although this might not be the ideal choice for companies deeply ingrained in the CentOS ecosystem. Additionally, SUSE has introduced SUSE Liberty Linux Lite, a service tailored to provide ongoing support for CentOS 7 servers at a cost, safeguarding against future vulnerabilities through updates and security patches.
However, it’s essential to consider the associated costs. Subscriptions for SUSE Liberty Linux Lite range from $2,500 for 200 subscriptions to $20,000 for 1,000 subscriptions, making it a relatively expensive path to pursue. Those interested in exploring this option further can find detailed information on the official announcement.
In light of these developments, migrating to AlmaLinux emerges as a compelling choice for handling the CentOS 7 end-of-life situation. This transition effectively converts existing CentOS 7 machines to AlmaLinux 8, ensuring users are on the latest version of the operating system.
Prior to initiating the migration process on a critical device, it is advisable to conduct a thorough test on a non-production machine. The migration process involves executing several key commands, including ‘sudo yum update -y,’ ‘sudo reboot,’ and ‘sudo yum install -y http://repo.almalinux.org/elevate/elevate-release-latest-el’.
As businesses navigate the conclusion of CentOS 7 support, selecting the most suitable path forward is crucial to maintaining operational efficiency and security in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
