Oracle Linux (also known as OL) is a Linux distribution from Oracle. It is freely distributed and the platform used by Oracle Engineered Systems and Oracle Cloud, as well as several other offerings from the software giant.
More and more businesses right now are saddled with complex data centers, as well as the security of their systems. Some are finding it more difficult to get onto the cloud. And these are situations where OL can help.
Oracle Linux is Open Source
This operating system is designed to be able to run on Intel-based servers. You can use it in every deployment you prefer. You can use it onsite at your own data center, or you can use it on public clouds. You will not be tied down by anything.
The operating system is free to download and share: you do not need to pay for anything to use Oracle Linux. No contracts and licenses required. However, if you want technical support, you would need to pay for it.
What do you get when you pay for enterprise support?
- Comprehensive management
- Clustering software
- Indemnification
- Extensive testing
All of these support and services are yours for a significantly reduced cost. It is inexpensive compared to other similar support offerings. Without having to pay extra, Oracle’s support also includes help for Docker and Spacewalk. Spacewalk is an open source management system for Linux distributions.
OL makes your journey to the cloud a whole lot faster and easier because of the numerous features and functionalities that is specifically directed towards supporting your cloud initiatives. For instance, Oracle Linux supports Docker right out of the box, as well as inherent support for virtualization technologies and LXC. This means that you can use it for both traditional and containerized apps.
If you are deploying on a private cloud, you should consider Oracle OpenStack for Oracle Linux. You can use Oracle OpenStack to build a non-proprietary private cloud platform. Oracle Linux support also includes provisions for Oracle OpenStack.
Imagine this: Oracle Cloud is what the company uses for its own cloud initiative. That is proof that Oracle Linux is thoroughly tested and vetted by millions of users around the world.
In fact, if you have “software as a service” apps from Oracle, then you are already using Oracle Linux!
Use with Oracle Enterprise Manager
If you are an existing Oracle customer, then you would be familiar with Oracle Enterprise Manager. This one is included in the support subscription so that you can easily manage Oracle Linux. You no longer have to worry about asset monitoring, patching, provisioning, and systems compliance. Aside from Oracle Enterprise Manager, you also have Spacewalk that makes it easy to patch, provision, and maintain Oracle Linux.
Topnotch Security
But the most important reason why you should use Oracle Linux for production systems is how secure it is. It provides continuous security.
Without security, it would be difficult to persuade business leaders to invest in IT. This makes Oracle Linux, with its multi-levels of security, especially attractive to enterprises. It is the only Linux distribution that gives you no downtime patching with Ksplice. That means no more taking your systems offline, no more rebooting, and no more downtimes just to apply a security patch.
There is no better operating system out there if you want one for your production workloads. It does not lock you in to any vendor or service provider. Oracle Linux also supports container technologies and applications.
Photo courtesy of Paul Downey (Flickr).
