AlmaLinux is an open-source, community-driven project that expects to resolve the void left by the downfall of the CentOS stable release. AlmaLinux is a 1:1 binary compatible fork of RHEL 8 which serves as a free Linux OS for the community and was made up by the team of the CloudLinux OS.
As an independent, totally free OS, AlmaLinux appreciates $1M in annual sponsorship from CloudLinux Inc. Moreover the CloudLinux will support future RHEL releases by updating AlmaLinux, with an advantage that the progressing improvement efforts are administered by individuals from the community.
Alma implies soul in Spanish and other Latin languages. When looking back to history, it is not difficult to see that Linux is build up by the efforts of an enthusiastic, diverse developer community. This community is the soul of Linux, and everybody that depends on a Linux distribution is obliged to the efforts of the Linux community. That is why the developers of this new distribution name it as AlmaLinux
Why AlmaLinux?
AlmaLinux can be useful for any individual who as of now depends on the CentOS stable release to accomplish computing goals. Also, the people and associations that require an enterprise-grade, (Fedora-like) distribution but who do not want to or not able to pay for an RHEL license. CloudLinux has agreed to provide support for AlmaLinux until 2029, including stable and thoroughly tested updates and security patches.
Features of AlmaLinux
- Stable, production-ready, RHEL-based
AlmaLinux is an enterprise-grade server Operating System and a stable Linux distribution with normal releases. AlmaLinux is able to run critical workloads. It is a Centos-like distribution dependent on an exact RHEL clone matching RHEL features 1:1
- Easy to switch from CentOS
AlmaLinux will be a 1:1 binary compatible fork of RHEL, which implies that the applications and administrations will stay viable, so switching is simple from CentOS to AlmaLinux. Consequently, we can quickly migrate any number of servers with just one command and it takes zero switching downtime. So Almalinux offers an effortless transition from CentOS, with minimal investment and no software changes.
- Free Operating System, and supported by Cloudlinux
CloudLinux offers a support commitment with Patches and maintenance through 2029 for AlmaLinux with a great investment. They also deliver AlmaLinux free of limitations, fees, and charges. As it is a free open-source release there will be no licenses or usage restrictions. The company has released the beta version of AlmaLinux and expected to deliver the fully functional product in the first quarter of 2021 itself.
As of now, there are three installation ISO images available:
AlmaLinux-8.3-beta-1-x86_64-boot.iso – a unique network installation CD image that downloads packages over the Internet.
AlmaLinux-8.3-beta-1-x86_64-minimal.iso – a minimal self-reliant DVD image that makes possible offline installation.
AlmaLinux-8.3-beta-1-x86_64-dvd1.iso – Complete installation DVD image that contains mostly all AlmaLinux packages.
