AlmaLinux is a free, open-source Linux operating system designed as a community-driven, enterprise-grade replacement for CentOS. It is fully binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), providing a stable and predictable foundation for servers, cloud environments, and critical workloads. With a focus on long-term support and compatibility, AlmaLinux aims to give organizations a reliable OS without licensing costs, while maintaining broad ecosystem support and enterprise readiness.
Key Features
RHEL Compatibility: Fully binary-compatible with RHEL, allowing applications and packages built for RHEL to run without modification.
Stable Release Cycle: Predictable, enterprise-focused updates and long-term maintenance for production environments.
Strong Security Practices: Integrated security tools and SELinux support for access control and threat mitigation.
Wide Package Ecosystem: Access to a large collection of packages through native repositories and compatibility with third-party repos.
Cloud & Container Friendly: Works well on major cloud platforms and as a host for containerized workloads.
Community-Driven Governance: Developed and maintained by the AlmaLinux OS Foundation with transparent community involvement.
Enterprise Ecosystem Support: Compatible with major software stacks, automation tools, and infrastructure services.
These features provide a solid and dependable operating system choice for both small and large deployments.
Pricing
Free & Open Source: AlmaLinux itself is available at no cost, with no licensing fees.
Optional Paid Support: Organizations can purchase commercial support and enterprise services through certified partners.
Cloud Marketplace Availability: Offered as free images on major cloud platforms including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
Because AlmaLinux does not charge for OS licensing, many organizations adopt it to significantly reduce infrastructure cost while retaining enterprise-grade stability.
Use Cases
Server Hosting: Ideal for running web servers, databases, and enterprise applications.
Cloud Deployments: Reliable base OS for virtual machines and container hosts in public and private clouds.
Development & Testing: Matches production environments for development workflows without licensing overhead.
Migration from CentOS: A common choice for teams transitioning from CentOS with minimal changes to tooling or processes.
Automation & DevOps: Works seamlessly with automation frameworks, configuration management tools, and CI/CD pipelines.
Website: https://almalinux.org/