The Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) ecosystem underwent significant changes when CentOS announced the end of its stable release branch in late 2020. This pivot left many enterprises seeking an alternative. AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux quickly emerged as the frontrunners in the race to replace CentOS. But which of these two distributions is better suited for enterprise servers? In this article, we will delve deep into the comparison of AlmaLinux vs. Rocky Linux and help you make an informed decision.
What Are AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux?
AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux is a free, open-source, and community-driven enterprise Linux operating system that was introduced by CloudLinux in 2021. It is designed to be a 1:1 binary-compatible fork of RHEL, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking to maintain continuity in their server environments without the licensing costs of RHEL.
Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux, spearheaded by Gregory Kurtzer—a co-founder of CentOS—also entered the scene in 2021. Like AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux is a 1:1 RHEL fork, committed to offering a stable, enterprise-grade Linux distribution. Its founding philosophy centers around being a reliable option that will never shift away from its community roots.
Both distributions target users who need a free, enterprise-grade OS built on the solid foundation of RHEL, but their subtle differences might make one more suited to your specific needs.
AlmaLinux vs. Rocky Linux: Key Comparison Points
1. Community Support and Governance
AlmaLinux is managed by the AlmaLinux Foundation, a non-profit organization. The foundation allows broad community input and decision-making, ensuring the project remains impartial and community-focused. CloudLinux originally financed its creation and continues to provide substantial support, adding a layer of confidence in its long-term viability.
Rocky Linux takes a community-centric governance model as well, but it emphasizes its “for the community, by the community” approach even more strongly. Rocky is closely associated with CIQ (a company providing enterprise support services), although it doesn’t depend on a single organization’s funding as AlmaLinux initially did.
Winner: Both are strong contenders. However, those wary of corporate involvement may lean slightly towards Rocky Linux for its pure grassroots ethos.
2. Stability and Reliability
Stability and reliability are cornerstones of any enterprise server environment. Since both distributions are binary-compatible forks of RHEL, they inherit its robust security and reliability. However, their methodologies for updates differ slightly.
AlmaLinux updates tend to be released slightly faster, as they’ve set ambitious timelines to ensure enterprise users experience minimal downtime. Rocky Linux, on the other hand, takes a cautious approach, rigorously testing updates before releasing them, ensuring high reliability.
Winner: Tie. Choose AlmaLinux for rapid updates or Rocky Linux for slower but meticulously tested releases.
3. Performance
In terms of raw performance, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are nearly identical as both use the same RHEL codebase. Performance metrics like CPU usage, I/O speeds, and memory management have shown parity between the two distributions in most benchmarks. However, performance in your specific use case may vary depending on your Linux VPS server configuration.
Winner: Tie. Performance depends on hardware and specific workload needs.
4. Enterprise Support and Ecosystem
AlmaLinux benefits from the backing of CloudLinux, which provides professional support plans. Its integration with CloudLinux tools might appeal to businesses that are already part of this ecosystem. AlmaLinux also has partnerships with several cloud providers, making it easier to deploy across different infrastructures.
Rocky Linux also offers professional support through CIQ and other partners. Its strong relationship with community contributors ensures a wide range of expertise, particularly appealing to open-source enthusiasts who rely on peer-driven problem-solving.
Winner: Depends on your needs. AlmaLinux is better for businesses tied to CloudLinux, while Rocky Linux appeals to organizations looking for broad, community-focused support.
5. Ecosystem and Popularity
While AlmaLinux gained traction early due to its faster updates and CloudLinux’s involvement, Rocky Linux garnered significant attention as the brainchild of CentOS’ co-founder. Over time, both have developed active communities and vibrant ecosystems, with many major cloud providers supporting both distributions.
Both distributions support a wide range of Linux VPS performance metrics to monitor, ensuring they perform well in enterprise environments that require robust monitoring and scalability.
Winner: Tie. Both have mature ecosystems and support in the enterprise space.
Recommendations: Which Should You Choose?
When deciding between AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux for enterprise servers, the choice boils down to your specific requirements:
- Choose AlmaLinux if:
- You value quick update releases.
- Your organization is already familiar with or invested in the CloudLinux ecosystem.
- You need seamless cloud integrations.
- Choose Rocky Linux if:
- You prioritize a community-driven governance model.
- You’re looking for a replacement that feels most like the original CentOS.
- You prefer more rigorously tested updates.
Both distributions provide stable and secure operating systems suitable for enterprise workloads. Consider testing both in your environment to determine which aligns better with your operational needs.
Final Thoughts
The AlmaLinux vs. Rocky Linux debate is a testament to the resilience of the open-source community. Both distributions have succeeded in filling the void left by CentOS, offering businesses robust options for enterprise server environments. By evaluating factors like community governance, update strategies, and ecosystem fit, you can make an informed choice that benefits your enterprise in the long run.
Regardless of which you choose, monitoring the Linux VPS server performance will be crucial to ensure efficiency, security, and reliability in your IT infrastructure. Keep an eye on performance metrics like CPU usage, memory, disk I/O, and network latency to maximize your server’s uptime and capability.
With AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux leading the way, enterprises can enjoy continued access to high-quality, open-source Linux distributions—a victory for the entire tech community.