Managing CentOS End of Life

Introduction

Red Hat’s announcement in December 2020 regarding CentOS End of Life sent shockwaves through the Linux community.

With the end of support for CentOS Linux, businesses relying on this trusted operating system are faced with a critical decision: migrate to an alternative Linux distribution or risk operating without crucial support and updates.

CentOS Linux has long been a popular choice for businesses seeking a stable, reliable, and freely available Linux operating system. However, it’s crucial to understand that on June 30, 2024, CentOS Linux 7 will reach its end-of-life (EOL). This means Red Hat will cease providing security updates and bug fixes, leaving your systems vulnerable to cyberattacks and potential downtime.

After that date there will be no supported versions of CentOS that are appropriate for production use.

Ignoring this deadline poses significant risks to your business, including:

• Increased security vulnerabilities: Unpatched systems are easy targets for hackers, putting your data and operations at risk.
• Compliance failures: Some industries have strict regulations requiring secure systems. Non-compliance could lead to hefty fines and reputational damage.
• Future incompatibilities: Unmaintained Linux distributions will not keep pace with future software releases, impacting productivity and efficiency.
• Limited software support: Many software vendors only support actively maintained operating systems, potentially creating compatibility issues.

Migrating to an alternative Linux distribution is not merely a matter of preference but a necessity for businesses seeking to maintain the integrity and security of their IT infrastructure. Failure to migrate from CentOS Linux risks exposing organisations to cybersecurity risks, compliance issues, and operational disruptions.

Time to Plan Your Migration

Proactively planning your migration from CentOS before the EOL deadline is critical to ensure a smooth and secure transition. Tiger Computing, a UK-based leader in Linux support and consultancy, offers expert guidance and tailored solutions to help your business navigate this process.

Evaluating Your Options To Manage CentOS End of Life

Several Linux distributions can serve as potential replacements for CentOS, each with its own strengths and considerations:

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL): The commercial version of CentOS, offering premium stability, long-term support, and comprehensive enterprise features.
• CentOS Stream: A rolling release distribution continuously updated with the latest packages, ideal for development and testing environments but unsuitable for production due to potential instability.
• Rocky Linux: Community-driven fork of CentOS aiming for stability and long-term support, a viable alternative for production use.
• AlmaLinux: Another CentOS fork focused on enterprise stability and compatibility, offering a promising long-term option.
• Debian: A proven stable and secure Linux distribution which is not dependent on Red Hat.
• Ubuntu: A popular distribution derived from Debian.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Distribution

Choosing the right distribution depends on your specific needs and priorities:

• Stability and support: How crucial is rock-solid stability and guaranteed long-term support?
• Cost: Are you comfortable with the licensing costs associated with RHEL or would you prefer a free, community-supported option?
• Software compatibility: Does your chosen distribution support the applications and tools you rely on?
• Technical expertise: Do you have the internal resources to manage and maintain your new distribution, or do you require expert assistance?

Migrating with Tiger Computing’s Expertise

Migrating from CentOS can seem daunting, but Tiger Computing’s proven experience and skilled team can guide you every step of the way:

• Assessment and planning: We analyse your current infrastructure and applications to recommend the optimal new distribution and create a customised migration plan.
• System migration: Our engineers handle the technical complexities of migration, ensuring minimal downtime and disruption.
• Testing and Validation: Following the migration, we conduct rigorous testing and validation to ensure that the new Linux distribution operates smoothly and meets performance expectations. Any issues or discrepancies are promptly addressed to ensure a seamless transition.
• Post-migration support: We provide ongoing support to ensure your new Linux environment runs smoothly and securely.

Benefits of a Successful Migration

By working with Tiger Computing, you can achieve a seamless migration that delivers tangible benefits:

• Enhanced security: Regular updates and patches keep your systems secure and compliant.
• Improved performance: Optimised systems running modern software operate more efficiently.
• Reduced costs: Avoid potential downtime and data breaches, preventing financial losses.
• Peace of mind: Gain confidence knowing your Linux environment is in expert hands.

Conclusion

The CentOS EOL deadline presents a critical juncture for businesses. Taking action now ensures a smooth and secure transition to a new Linux distribution. Partnering with Tiger Computing allows you to leverage our expertise and navigate this process with confidence. Don’t wait until June 30th – contact us today to discuss your migration plan and ensure your business remains on solid ground.

Why Tiger Computing?

We stand by these five values:

• Professionalism: we respect the importance of our client’s work and will ensure we deliver on what we promise.
• Pride: the pride we take in our work means we are proactive and go beyond expectations.
• Integrity: trust is paramount to us. We do what we say we will do and honour our commitments.
• Technical excellence: We constantly learn and both lead and deliver industry best practice.
• Human: we are approachable, down to earth and friendly, working with clients collaboratively as a team.

What next?

Get in touch with Shaun:

• Book a phone call or video call
• Email: shaun.poole@tiger-computing.co.uk
• Call him: 01600 404 270

The header image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.