CentOS vs Oracle Linux vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) comparison

CentOS is a versatile operating system with many use cases, including virtual spaces, scientific computing, data center servers, web-based applications, and more. Its valuable features include customization options, low memory consumption, performance, scalability, open-source nature, cost-saving, and compatibility with Red Hat packages. 

The solution has helped organizations save money on licensing and improve testing capabilities for new implementations without spending additional resources. CentOS is a stable, reliable, and efficient operating system that is easy to use and integrate with other applications and services.

Oracle Linux is a stable, reliable, and scalable operating system primarily used for deploying and running Oracle databases. It is also suitable for various other functions, including managing operating systems and web servers, supporting traffic surveillance, and identity management. 

Oracle Linux is highly valued for its stability, reliability, scalability, good technical support, and ease of use. It has helped organizations to achieve faster DNS queries, stable development environments, reduced vulnerability issues, good performance for Oracle applications, and improved ability to run test scenarios and parallel queries across massive databases.

Oracle Linux Features

Oracle Linux has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

• The software is 100% free (no cost) to use, distribute, and update

• Ksplice allows for zero-downtime kernel and user-space upgrades

• DTrace provides comprehensive kernel and application tracing

• For Oracle Linux Support clients, Linux management and high availability are available at no additional cost

• It's Oracle-optimized and works well with Oracle Database and Oracle Applications
  
• New workload optimizations:
  
  • Enhanced memory performance by attempting to better locate a process near its memory and better placement of tasks that do not fit on a single NUMA node
    
  • SPECjbb's performance has been improved by up to 3.6 times thanks to optimizations that help reduce lock contention.
    
  • With bcache, it's simple to employ SSDs as a block cache for slower block devices. A new, scaled block layer subsystem supports many millions of IOps on NVM-Express and high-end PCI-E devices.
    
• Oracle Linux has three deployment options:

• Linux in the cloud: Oracle Linux Premier Support is included in all Oracle Cloud Infrastructure subscriptions at no additional cost.
  
• Linux on premises: This is the industry's most comprehensive and open Linux distribution.
  
• Embedded Linux design: Embedding a feature-rich Linux distribution is an optimized, cost-effective solution for your business.

 Oracle Linux Benefits

There are many benefits to implementing Oracle Linux. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

• Save money by only paying for support for the systems you need
  
• Improve security by applying patches faster and spending less time troubleshooting and updating
  
• Improve Oracle software and hardware performance

Reviews from Real Users

Oracle Linux stands out among its competitors for a number of reasons. Two major ones are its stability and scalability. PeerSpot users take note of the advantages of these features in their reviews: 

One PeerSpot reviewer, an IT Manager, reports, “I find the virtualization the most valuable.” He adds, “Oracle Linux is the best Linux operating system that I have ever known. It is very stable and strong.”

An Enterprise Architect at a financial services firm writes of the solution, “You also don't have memory issues, especially when it is engineered with platforms like Exadata and Oracle Cluster. These give you the most throughput and performance.” He adds, “It is very scalable, especially on platforms like Oracle Cluster and Exadata.”

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is recognized for its stability, security, and performance, serving diverse industries with its robust support and seamless cloud deployment capabilities.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux provides comprehensive server applications across cloud environments, featuring tools like Ansible for enhanced user experience. It integrates OpenShift, Identity Management, and automation, supported by extensive documentation. Users seek easier upgrades, enhanced network virtualization support, and improved live patching.

• Stability and Security: RHEL is designed to provide a stable and secure environment, backed by consistent updates.
• Cloud Deployment: Easily deployable across cloud platforms, enhancing flexibility.
• Integration with Ansible: Enhances operational efficiency with powerful automation tools.
• OpenShift and Containerization: Supports modern app development with integrated OpenShift features.
• Extensive Documentation: Offers comprehensive resources for users to troubleshoot and optimize.

• Reliable Support: Benefit from extensive support options for seamless operation.
• Enhanced Security: Built-in features ensure data integrity and protection.
• Increased Flexibility: Suitable for diverse deployment environments, including on-premises and cloud.
• Operational Efficiency: Tools like automation and cloud navigation improve productivity.
• Training and Resources: Access to comprehensive training contributes to smoother implementations.

In sectors like finance, telecommunications, and education, Red Hat Enterprise Linux is crucial for running stable, secure systems. Its application spans web servers, data management, and containerization through tools like Kubernetes. Organizations adopt it for on-premises, virtualized, and cloud environments, ensuring robust infrastructure management.