Rocky Linux is a community-driven, enterprise-grade Linux operating system designed as a downstream, fully compatible replacement for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It provides a stable, predictable platform for servers, cloud environments, and enterprise applications without subscription fees. Rocky Linux focuses on long-term support, reliability, and community governance, making it a trusted choice for organizations that need a production-ready OS with broad ecosystem compatibility.
Key Features
RHEL-Compatible: Built to be binary-compatible with RHEL, allowing seamless use of RHEL-targeted software and updates.
Stable & Long-Term Support: Offers predictable maintenance releases and extended support windows for enterprise workloads.
Enterprise-Ready Base: Designed for production servers, databases, and cloud deployments with strong reliability.
Large Package Ecosystem: Access to a wide range of packages via repositories compatible with YUM/DNF and EPEL.
SELinux Security: Integrated support for SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) for mandatory access control.
Cloud & Container Support: Optimized for use in cloud platforms, container hosts, and orchestration environments.
Active Community Governance: Community-driven roadmap and open governance model with transparent development.
These features make Rocky Linux a solid choice for infrastructure teams that want a dependable and open source enterprise OS.
Pricing
Free & Open Source: Rocky Linux itself has no licensing cost — the OS is freely downloadable and redistributable.
Optional Support Subscriptions: Commercial support, managed services, or paid training may be obtained through third-party vendors.
Cloud Marketplace Images: Available on major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) often with optional paid support or marketplace billing.
Because Rocky Linux has no license fee, many businesses choose it to reduce costs while retaining enterprise-grade stability.
Use Cases
Enterprise Servers & Data Centers: Run business-critical applications on a stable, predictable platform.
Cloud Deployments: Widely used as the base OS for virtual servers and container hosts in public clouds.
Database & Application Hosting: Reliable foundation for databases, web applications, and backend systems.
Development & Staging Environments: Match production environments without licensing costs.
Migration from RHEL & CentOS: Ideal for teams needing full compatibility with existing RHEL-oriented workflows.
Website: https://rockylinux.org/