The Top 7 Linux Server Distros for Enterprises and Small Businesses
Linux is no longer an operating system limited to developers and individual users. As various Linux distributions continue to emerge regularly, thousands of new Linux users are mushrooming globally, finding ever-increasing use and purpose within the community.
The latest to join the Linux bandwagon are enterprises seeking different stable and secure distributions to enhance their production cycles. Rest assured, with Linux by your side, you may always expect regular updates, top-notch security, and helpful functionality.
Here are some of the best Linux distributions for enterprises and businesses.
1.Ubuntu Server
Ubuntu’s popularity knows no bounds, as it is one of the easiest Linux distributions to use in the market. With its simplicity, ease of use, and multi-functional features, it continues to reign over other Linux distros.
Ubuntu works with any hardware or virtualization platform, making it ideal for websites, sharing files, and enhancing your cloud presence with data support.
Ubuntu Server rules the cloud with its cost-effective server solutions for users, individuals, and organizations alike.
Ubuntu Server is compatible with different architectures, such as:
As a small business, you can quickly deploy Ubuntu Server to manage your files and web servers. As an enterprise, you can scale up quickly and purchase Canonical’s native enterprise-grade support by paying a subscription amount.
Download:Ubuntu Server(Paid options available)
2.openSUSE Leap
openSUSE offers two versions under its umbrella: Tumbleweed and Leap. While Tumbleweed is not an enterprise version, the latter is considered an enterprise-ready Linux distro and provides a stable release every few years.
Leap’s latest release is 15.4, with GNOME 41 and kernel version 5.14. You can choose from a few different desktop environments, including KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce, a generic desktop, a server, and a transactional server.
Each option uses a different set of functions so it’s easy to choose the one closest to your requirements.
Some notable, thought-worthyfeatures of openSUSEinclude:
Download:openSUSE(Free to use)
3.AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux is a community-owned free enterprise Linux distro that focuses on providing long-term stability and runs on RHEL and pre-stream CentOS. Despite being an enterprise Linux distribution, it comes with regular releases, so you will always get timely updates for your machine.
AlmaLinux 9.2’s beta version, “Turquoise Kodkod,” is the latest as of this writing, and supports four different architectures, namely:
Since it’s a beta version, you should not rely on it in a production environment.
Created by CloudLinux, AlmaLinux ranks high on security standards. It comes with OpenSCAP (Open Security Content Automation Protocol), which you’re able to use to check your system for vulnerabilities and configure your system’s security for the best results.
Download:AlmaLinux(Free to use)
4.Fedora Server
Fedora Server is well-known for providing a stable and flexible server for developers, individuals, and organizations. It incorporates the latest technology, and you could get your hands on the latest updates regularly.
The latest updates include some of the newest system applications, ideal for empowering businesses to adapt their server based on the market trend.
Some prominent features of Fedora Server include:
Download:Fedora Server(Free to use)
5.Oracle Linux
As the name suggests, Oracle has created Oracle Linux, which derives power from Red Hat Enterprise Linux. To enhance usage and help users transition seamlessly from CentOS or RHEL to Oracle Linux, you may use pre-written Oracle scripts to get the best results.
Oracle Linux is a powerful, RHEL alternative, and it garners the attention of developers who want to make the most out of their Linux usage.
As a business, to reduce downtime, you may use live kernel updates, which you can purchase from Oracle for your distributions. While the OS is free, some features can aid developers in their development journey. For example, the lack of a licensing fee allows you to run the OS on multiple machines and servers.
Additional features include using the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel, which is the default kernel available with Oracle Linux. On the desktop side, you get the GNOME desktop environment by default, making the OS valuable and user-friendly.
Download:Oracle Linux(Paid subscriptions available)
6.Zentyal Linux Server
Zentyal’s name is associated with developing small business servers, including standalone and enterprise edition servers. The different server options under the Zentyal umbrella act as network gateways, unified threat managers, and office and communications servers.
Based on Ubuntu, Zentyal supports all MS Exchange protocols and unending Active Directory support, which you can use to join Microsoft clients to a domain. Other excellent features include:
Both free and paid versions are available within Zentyal’s list of servers.
Download:Zentyal Linux Server(Paid options available)
7.Rocky Linux
When CentOS was discontinued, its users thronged to Rocky Linux. Rocky Linux also supports Red Hat Enterprise Linux’s (RHEL) source code, making it one of theclosest alternatives to CentOS.
Developed and marketed by the Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation, Rocky Linux receives regular updates and is enterprise-ready, offering stability and excellence on a platter.
Since the operating system is a downstream RHEL distribution, it has become an obvious choice readily compatible with enterprise servers.
The only plausible drawback is that Rocky Linux is still in its nascent development stage; its updates are slower and fewer than some of the other Linux distros in the market. Despite its shortcomings, its stability and features continue to make it a popular choice among developers.
Download:Rocky Linux(Free)
Top Enterprise Linux Servers to Make Your Life Easier
These Linux servers offer businesses the best possible features, from regular updates and security patches to top-notch functions.
Since most of them are based on the ever-famous Red Hat Enterprise Linux, you can always expect each of these Linux distributions/servers to be on top of their game. However, despite their functionality, RHEL systems can be confusing and challenging to install in the first instance.
If you have never used an RHEL system before, following some expert guidance is advisable to install the distribution easily.
Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a bit different than installing other distros. Here’s how it’s possible to install and set up RHEL on your machine.
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