AlmaLinux: The RHEL Clone Succeeding Against All Odds
When Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) announced its decision to restrict source access to paying customers, it sent shockwaves through the Linux and open-source world. The move was aimed at stifling downstream builds such as AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, and Oracle Linux, which were based off of RHEL.
However, AlmaLinux is proving the naysayers wrong with its innovative approach to providing RHEL compatibility. While other clones are struggling to keep up, AlmaLinux is thriving and showing how open source can adapt to unexpected challenges.
From 1:1 Compatibility to ABI Compatibility
Amidst the backlash from the open-source community, AlmaLinux made a bold decision to abandon 1:1 compatibility with RHEL. Instead, the team shifted its focus to achieving Application Binary Interface (ABI) compatibility.
This move has paid off, as ZDNet reports that AlmaLinux is now succeeding in its goal of providing RHEL compatibility. According to AlmaLinux chairperson Benny Vasquez, 99% of packages still look exactly like RHEL. For the remaining 1%, only about 24% require manual patching.
Leveraging CentOS Stream and Other Sources
To achieve its ABI compatibility with RHEL, AlmaLinux is pulling from the upstream CentOS Stream – the same base that RHEL uses. This allows the team to keep up with critical updates and security patches.
While Red Hat’s kernel patches continue to pose a challenge, Vasquez explains that they are able to obtain them from other sources like Oracle. Despite this obstacle, AlmaLinux stays true to its promise of quick updates, sometimes even beating RHEL to the punch.
Moving Faster Than RHEL on Critical Updates
The freedom to move faster than RHEL on critical updates has been one of the major benefits of AlmaLinux’s approach. For instance, the team was able to patch the AMD microcode exploits before RHEL. This was possible because they didn’t have to deal with the limitations imposed by Red Hat’s licensing agreements.
Thriving Against All Odds
Despite Red Hat’s efforts to restrict RHEL access, it appears that at least one of the RHEL clones is thriving. AlmaLinux has shown that open source can overcome challenges and continue to provide a reliable and robust alternative to RHEL.
So if you’re looking for a high-performance, enterprise-grade Linux distribution that is fully compatible with RHEL, look no further than AlmaLinux. Its innovative approach and commitment to keeping up with critical updates make it a top choice among developers and businesses alike.
