CentOS Stream: Ecosystem, Uses, and Licensing.

Published on: February 09, 2025

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14 min read

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For German Version

In collaboration with Red Hat engineers, members of the open-source community may create, test, and contribute to CentOS Stream, a Linux® distribution that is continually supplied upstream for Red Hat® Enterprise Linux. Since its launch in 2019, CentOS Stream and the ongoing flow of innovation it offers have generated a lot of excitement among partners and contributors.

Before releasing new versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Red Hat uses the CentOS Stream development platform to create the Red Hat Enterprise Linux source code. The first significant release created using CentOS Stream is Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.

Suppose you use Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and you've found a bug that has to be fixed in the upcoming release. You may suggest that modification to CentOS Stream so that Red Hat engineers can review it. If approved, your modification will be included in the next Red Hat Enterprise Linux minor release after being tested, validated, and landed in CentOS Stream.

CentOS Linux will be totally superseded by CentOS Stream. Everything you need to know about CentOS Stream will be covered in brief in this post.

• What is CentOS Stream?
• How does CentOS Stream Fit Into the Red Hat Ecosystem?
• Is CentOS Stream Free to Use?
• What are the Differences Between CentOS Stream 8 and CentOS Stream 9?
• How do CentOS Stream and Fedora Compare?
• What is the End of Life (EOL) Date for CentOS Stream 8 and CentOS Stream 9?
• What is the Purpose of CentOS Stream in the Development Pipeline?
• How is CentOS Stream Different from Debian?
• Can CentOS Stream Be Used for Production Environments?
• How does CentOS Stream Handle Kernel Updates and Versions?
• What are the Licensing Terms for CentOS Stream?
• How do I Upgrade from CentOS Linux to CentOS Stream?
• What are the Advantages of Using CentOS Stream Over Traditional CentOS?
• What are the Downsides of Using CentOS compare to Other Popular OS?
• What Versions of CentOS are Still Supported?
• How do I Check the Current Version of CentOS Stream on My System?
• Is CentOS Stream Suitable for Enterprise Use?
• Is Zenarmor Compatible with CentOS Stream?
• What Alternatives Exist to CentOS Stream?
• Is CentOS Stream Best Distribution for Servers?

What is CentOS Stream?

An upstream development platform called CentOS Stream was created to allow the CentOS community, Red Hat partners, ecosystem developers, and several other organizations to more quickly and easily understand and help define the features that would be included in the upcoming Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) edition. CentOS Stream gives everyone early access to the development stream of the next RHEL version.

CentOS Stream was released as an upstream to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), in contrast to CentOS Linux. Furthermore, the distribution is not a rolling release. Instead, CentOS Stream is a RHEL development version. Fedora is another upstream, of course, but CentOS Stream has been placed in between Fedora Linux and RHEL. Any major change in Fedora should be anticipated to be reflected in CentOS Stream, with RHEL being the next stop, as CentOS Stream is a distribution that tracks just ahead of RHEL.

Members of the CentOS community may have a greater impact on RHEL development using CentOS Stream.

How does CentOS Stream Fit Into the Red Hat Ecosystem?

An essential component of the corporate Linux ecosystem is CentOS Stream. Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Fedora Linux are separated by the CentOS Stream in the open-source code flow. Red Hat can develop and deliver new versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux more quickly by collaborating with the dynamic CentOS Stream project.

More options for community, partner, and consumer interaction are offered by CentOS Stream, along with increased openness.

The platform plays a significant role in the broader process of developing the source code for Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

• Fedora: The upstream project that serves as the foundation for the next major versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Here, important advancements in operating systems (OS) are presented.

• CentOS Stream: CentOS Stream facilitates communication between the Fedora Project OS developers, which form the basis of the Fedora OS, ISV, IHV, and other ecosystem developers. This reduces the feedback loop and facilitates the participation of all stakeholders in the development of the upcoming Red Hat Enterprise Linux editions.

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a production-grade operating system that offers vital workloads and applications a more flexible, secure, and supported base.

One advantage of using CentOS Stream is that it gives you early access to the same source code that Red Hat engineers and developers use to create the upcoming Red Hat Enterprise Linux release. Because of the platform's constant flow of material, CentOS Stream serves as a sneak peek at upcoming Red Hat Enterprise Linux releases.

You may directly contribute to Red Hat Enterprise Linux and test your workloads prior to future releases by using CentOS Stream code, which will be the next minor release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Is CentOS Stream Free to Use?

Yes, CentOS Stream is free and open-source, made for developers and businesses without the need for a subscription, in keeping with Red Hat's dedication to open-source accessibility. In other words, Red Hat provides a range of platforms, such as CentOS Stream, to assist in fulfilling a wide range of developer requirements. For developers, Red Hat Enterprise Linux Developer offers a free, self-supported subscription.

Additionally, current Red Hat customer companies that use Red Hat technologies in their production environments may now install Red Hat Enterprise Linux in their development environments for free with Red Hat Developer Subscription for Teams.

The Red Hat Universal Base Image is a developer-ready, redistributable, and free image for building cloud-native, containerized business apps. On Red Hat Enterprise Linux and throughout Red Hat's open hybrid cloud portfolio, including Red Hat OpenShift, developers may more readily design certified apps for production deployment. Additionally, it makes other operating systems' compatible container images possible.

Many customers have looked for options for a reliable, cost-free RHEL-like environment since CentOS switched to CentOS Stream. One of the many reasons why the free RHEL Developer Subscription is a fantastic choice is that it's an economical method to utilize RHEL as long as you abide by the rules (mostly for development reasons).

What are the Differences Between CentOS Stream 8 and CentOS Stream 9?

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) has been rebuilt into CentOS Linux. It is downstream from RHEL as a result. The date of the RHEL release that serves as their basis is reflected in the CentOS Linux release version numbers. For instance, the May 2021 version of RHEL 8.3 was rebuilt into CentOS 8.2105.

On September 24, 2019, CentOS Stream 8 was first made available concurrently with CentOS 8. The CentOS Project offered an easy way to switch from CentOS Linux 8 to CentOS Stream 8 as CentOS 8 was no longer maintained.

In contrast, RHEL's upstream, public development branch is called CentOS Stream. For example, CentOS Stream 8 is the upstream for the next RHEL 8 minor release, CentOS Stream 9 is the upstream for the upcoming RHEL 9 minor release, and so on.

A significant turning point in the development of the CentOS ecosystem, CentOS Stream 9 introduces a more dynamic and participatory approach to the creation of business Linux-based operating systems. It serves as a "rolling preview" of the updates and modifications that will be incorporated into the next RHEL versions and is closely related to the development of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). The new features of CentOS Stream 9 are examined here, along with comparisons to earlier iterations like CentOS Linux 8 and CentOS Stream 8.

CentOS Stream 9's latest features are outlined below.

• Considering RHEL 9: The RHEL 9 code, which corresponds to Fedora 34, is the foundation of CentOS Stream 9. In order to stay current with the developments of the free software community and business requirements, it embraces the latest versions of the kernel, libraries, and applications. The 5.14 kernel that is being utilized offers notable enhancements in terms of security, performance, and compatibility with contemporary hardware.
• The Rolling-Release Method: CentOS Stream is a rolling-release distribution with continuous updates, in contrast to previous CentOS Linux, which used a fixed update approach based on stable RHEL releases. This modification enables system administrators and developers to participate in the creation of RHEL and have early access to new features.
• Put Community Contribution First: The community is more involved in the RHEL development cycle using Stream. Before modifications are integrated into RHEL, developers may test, evaluate, and even recommend enhancements, establishing a two-way dialogue.
• Enhancements to Support for Containerization: With improved native support for technologies like Podman, Buildah, and Skopeo, CentOS Stream 9 solidifies its standing as a foundation for cloud apps and containerization environments.

How do CentOS Stream and Fedora Compare?

Due to the frequent release of new updates, Fedora is a rolling release distribution. In contrast, CentOS is a stable release distribution, which means that it gets fewer updates.

The YUM package manager is used by CentOS and Fedora to install, uninstall, and update software packages.

Different package management systems are usually used by CentOS and Fedora, each with its own official repositories and community-supported repositories. This affects how software resources are managed and made accessible.

Fedora is a wise option. Fedora is a wonderful option if you want the newest features and technologies or are searching for modern hardware. Consider CentOS if you want to use less common or older hardware. Fedora flourishes as a haven for cutting-edge Linux technology and creativity. CentOS, on the other hand, is an operating system designed for dependability and stability, primarily for use in live production settings.

The distinctions between CentOS and Fedora are listed below.

Fedora	CentOS
In 2003, it was created.	It was created in 2004.
Red Hat sponsors and finances the Fedora project, which is produced by the community.	The CentOS project community uses the RHEL source code to produce CentOS.
Compared to other distributions, it releases new versions significantly more often.	It prioritizes stability over modernity or anything else.
It makes use of package managers like RPM, package kit (GUI), and DNF (command line).	Yum is CentOS's default package manager.
Non-production servers and workstation applications are better suited for it.	It is employed when a more reliable system that needs the RHEL feature set is needed.
Fedora has some proprietary features yet is open-source and free.	CentOS is an open-source community with users and contributors.
It was distributed under a number of free software licenses, including the GPL.	It had a GPL license.
In terms of long-term assistance, it falls short.	It provides long-term support and sophisticated security measures.
Compared to CentOS, it is not as well-known.	In the market, it is quite well-liked.

Table 1. Fedora vs CentOS

What is the End of Life (EOL) Date for CentOS Stream 8 and CentOS Stream 9?

A product or service reaches the end of life (EOL) when it is discontinued. The product's users will need to switch to a different solution in order to keep getting security fixes and upgrades.

The CentOS Project has refocused its efforts from CentOS Linux to CentOS Stream, as declared in December 2020. The anticipated end-of-life (EOL) dates for its several releases are shown below.

• EOL date for CentOS Linux 7: 2024-06-30
• EOL for CentOS Linux 8: December 31, 2021
• EOL for CentOS Stream 8: May 31, 2024
• EOL for CentOS Stream 9: May 31, 2027

What is the Purpose of CentOS Stream in the Development Pipeline?

CentOS Stream functions as a rolling-release distribution, serving as an intermediary platform between Fedora (upstream) and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) (downstream). The main objective is to provide a preview of the next minor release of RHEL, enabling developers, contributors, and organizations to evaluate and test modifications prior to their formal integration into RHEL.

The primary functions of CentOS Stream are as follows:

• Increased Transparency: By offering insight into RHEL development, it cultivates a more open and cooperative connection between Red Hat and the wider community.
• Bridge Between Fedora and RHEL: It fosters a continuous progression of development, promoting cooperation between Fedora's avant-garde innovation and RHEL's enterprise-level reliability.
• Community Contributions: CentOS Stream enables the open-source community to actively contribute to the RHEL environment via the submission of patches, bug fixes, or improvements.
• Early Access for Developers: Developers may evaluate and provide input on forthcoming modifications, facilitating a more seamless incorporation into RHEL.

In conclusion, CentOS Stream is essential to the RHEL development pipeline, as it guarantees stability, fosters innovation, and promotes community engagement in the evolution of corporate Linux.

How is CentOS Stream Different from Debian?

The following are the ways that CentOS Stream and Debian differ.

• Updates: With major releases occurring every two to three years and frequent point releases in between, Debian has a predictable release schedule. Many businesses choose Debian for their servers because it enables meticulous planning and few interruptions. Because CentOS Stream uses a rolling-release paradigm, updates are released continuously. This might be helpful if you need the newest features and enhancements fast, but it means you have to be extra careful to avoid any problems that can occur from frequent updates. CentOS has long been a mainstay in many business contexts because of its reliability and compatibility with RHEL, which makes it one of the ideal Linux distributions for servers.
• Enterprise Use Cases: Environments with a focus on stability are where Debian thrives. In settings like web servers, database servers, and other mission-critical applications where reliability is crucial, Debian is frequently the operating system of choice. It is especially appropriate for businesses that value dependability above the newest features because of its large software library and cautious update policy. On the other hand, CentOS Stream is becoming more and more popular in settings where staying on top of trends is essential. It's especially pertinent in testing and development settings where teams must predict upcoming RHEL versions. Debian, however, could be a better option for production settings, particularly those where reliability is a must.
• Security: Although they take different methods, Debian and CentOS both offer robust security mechanisms. The goal of Debian's frequent security updates is to keep the stable version, well, stable. You can get security updates without updating to new software versions since security patches are backported to the stable release. This method keeps your system safe while reducing interruptions. CentOS Stream provides an alternative method. Security fixes can be implemented more quickly because CentOS Stream acts as a rolling release before RHEL, but there is a greater possibility of introducing new issues as a result. Staying on the cutting edge may be worth the trade-off for some people, but it may be risky for others.

Can CentOS Stream Be Used for Production Environments?

No. CentOS Stream is a continually supplied distribution that enables Red Hat engineers and members of the open-source community to collaborate on Red Hat® Enterprise Linux. Although CentOS Stream is not intended for production use, it can look like a logical replacement for CentOS Linux. For Red Hat partners and anyone who wishes to take part and work together in the Red Hat Enterprise Linux ecosystem, it is designed as a development platform. Compared to enterprise-ready editions like Red Hat Enterprise Linux, CentOS Stream has a number of difficulties when used in real settings.

In actuality, CentOS Stream is a rolling-release distribution that lies between Red Hat Enterprise Linux's (RHEL) stable releases and upstream development. Although it has certain advantages, there are a number of reasons why it would not be a wise choice for production settings:

• Rolling Release Model: CentOS Stream is subject to constant updates and modifications, allowing for more frequent software changes than in a conventional release cycle. Unpredictability and instability may result from this, which is undesirable for production systems that need a steady environment.
• Less Stability: CentOS Stream may contain features and updates that have not been thoroughly tested for production usage because it is a sneak peek at the upcoming RHEL minor release. Unexpected behavior or flaws that might interfere with essential services could result from this.
• Restricted Support: Unlike regular CentOS or RHEL, CentOS Stream has a distinct support strategy. Although there is community support, it might not be as extensive as that offered for RHEL, which gives users access to Red Hat's resources and support staff.
• Issues with Compatibility: Certain versions and configurations seen in classic RHEL may be necessary for the reliability of certain corporate applications and services. If programs are not tested against the most recent updates, using CentOS Stream may result in compatibility problems.
• Switching from CentOS Linux: Users who depended on CentOS for reliability are worried about the switch from CentOS Linux, a stable version, to CentOS Stream. The long-term trajectory of CentOS and its feasibility as a production platform are now unknown as a result of this shift.
• Use Case: Development and testing environments that benefit from the newest features and upgrades are frequently better suited for CentOS Stream. Organizations often choose more stable and predictable distributions for output.

In conclusion, CentOS Stream is less appropriate for production settings where dependability is crucial because of its rolling release structure, possible instability, and disparities in support, even if it can be helpful for development and testing. RHEL or equivalents like Debian or Ubuntu LTS, which provide more stable and regular release cycles, are still preferred by many enterprises for production.

How does CentOS Stream Handle Kernel Updates and Versions?

CentOS Stream manages kernel updates and versions distinctively from conventional CentOS releases. CentOS Stream functions as a continuous preview of the next minor release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It functions as an upstream development branch for RHEL, positioned between Fedora (innovative) and RHEL (stable).

Kernel updates in CentOS Stream occur more often and represent the continuous development efforts for next RHEL versions. Developers and contributors first implement improvements in CentOS Stream, enabling the community to test and provide comments prior to the incorporation of those updates into RHEL. This procedure guarantees that CentOS Stream users consistently obtain the most recent features, bug fixes, and improvements being developed for RHEL.

Nonetheless, CentOS Stream lacks the stability of conventional CentOS versions like RHEL due to its rolling-release model. Organizations or customers seeking a production-grade, reliable environment may choose for RHEL or alternatives such as AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux, which closely replicate the conventional CentOS approach.

In summary, CentOS Stream offers a progressive kernel experience, making it suitable for developers and contributors seeking early access to forthcoming innovations, but it is less appropriate for essential production situations.

What are the Licensing Terms for CentOS Stream?

CentOS Stream is accessible under the GNU GPL and is available for free use, modification, and redistribution.

Software packages make up the CentOS Linux and CentOS Stream distributions. Every package is subject to a separate license. The CentOS Linux and CentOS Stream compilation copyright is governed by the GPLv2, same as Red Hat Enterprise Linux. You provide a GPLv2 license for any copyright you may have in the selection, organization, or coordination of the packages that comprise the CentOS Linux or CentOS Stream distributions.

The code and content licenses included in the distributions, including any contributions you may have made to that pre-existing material, are not superseded by the compilation license. The source code of a package contains the full license conditions that apply to that package.

With CentOS Stream, there is a somewhat large firehose of contributions that must be managed, necessitating explicit rules and regulations.

This allowed us to examine the current status of the licenses that the CentOS Project and its contributors apply to code and material that comes from within the project. RPM package specification files, wiki material, and project branding contributions are a few examples of these.

Any open-source project should include explicit declarations regarding the licensing of its code and materials. The lack of a licensing strategy has recently come to light with the launch of CentOS Stream. According to the Board of Directors, this policy better meets the requirements of consumers and donors.

How do I Upgrade from CentOS Linux to CentOS Stream?

Although the process of moving from CentOS 8 to CentOS Stream is simple, there are a few things to think about and do before making the commitment. The migration may be completed easily and conveniently with the help of the DNF application.

The specifics for every stage of the migration are given in the sections that follow.

1. Get Ready for the Move

   The following actions must be taken before the migration may begin:

   • View the minimal requirements. Verify that the system satisfies CentOS Stream's minimal requirements. Verify that the system satisfies the hardware specifications.
   • Verify compatibility. Verify whether all third-party apps and packages work with CentOS Stream.
   • Make backups. To prevent data loss during transfer, make a backup of any important configurations and data.
   • Make sure the system you're using is CentOS 8. Use the following command to verify the operating system and version that are currently in use.

   cat /etc/centos-release

   The command displays the CentOS version and release details as of right now.

   CentOS Linux version 8.5.2111

2. System Update Install the most recent security patches and updates for CentOS 8 by running the next command.

   sudo dnf update

   Await the completion of the upgrade. If the command returns an error, the CentOS 8 version could be utilizing out-of-date packages. To switch to the vault repository and change the URLs in the repository list, use sed command.

   sudo sed -i 's/mirrorlist/#mirrorlist/g' /etc/yum.repos.d/CentOS-*

   sudo sed -i 's|#baseurl=http://mirror.centos.org|baseurl=http://vault.centos.org|g' /etc/yum.repos.d/CentOS-*

   There is no output from the commands. They give access to older products and change the repository connections. After the sed commands, try the update again.

3. Installing the CentOS Stream Package and Swap Repositories

   System updates from the CentOS Stream repository are enabled, and repository setup is contained in the CentOS Stream package. Take the following actions.

   1. Use the next command to install the CentOS Stream package:

      sudo dnf install centos-release-stream

      When asked to confirm the installation of the package, press y.

   2. Use the following command to replace the existing repositories with the stream ones:

      sudo dnf swap centos-{linux,stream}-repos

      The system now installs and updates packages using CentOS Stream repositories.

4. Sync Distributions Since it synchronizes the installed packages, this step is essential. The migration procedure offers three choices:

   • Upgrade packages by hand: With this method, package conflicts are avoided, but the system is only partially updated.
   • Distribution synchronization: A command is used to sync a distribution. It eliminates any packages that contradict and upgrades those that can be updated. The upgrading may result in the loss of certain programs.
   • Force switch: The distribution sync command is forced to update all packages when a --force switch is added. It may lead to broken packages and disregard any problems with upgrades. The command to sync the distribution is given below.

   sudo dnf distro-sync

5. Enter CentOS Stream again. To finish the migration, force a system reboot.

   sudo reboot -f

   Use the following to double-check the release:

   cat /etc/centos-release

   The successful migration is shown by the command's display of CentOS Stream release 8. Examine the packages from the prior version and keep an eye out for any possible migration problems.

What are the Advantages of Using CentOS Stream Over Traditional CentOS?

Updates for CentOS Linux are rare and frequently only include security patches or important fixes. Although it may not have the newest features, this feature guarantees the system's maximum stability. Nonetheless, CentOS Stream offers customers the newest features and applications with frequent upgrades.

CentOS Linux uses a point-release model, in which significant changes are included in versions that are issued at predetermined intervals. CentOS Stream, on the other hand, is a rolling-release distribution, meaning that updates are made available as they are prepared. Despite potential stability issues, this makes CentOS Stream a desirable choice for anyone who likes ongoing innovation and development.

Since CentOS Stream is directly under Red Hat's purview, professional users should feel somewhat reassured.

After learning these fundamental benefits of CentOS Stream, let's talk about how it differs from the older CentOS version.

• The behavior of CentOS Stream is the same as that of CentOS 8. Users don't need to learn how to use it because it functions flawlessly as soon as it is installed. On CentOS Stream, all applications, scripts, and utilities function identically to those on CentOS 8.
• It gives users the freedom to suggest enhancements for both RHEL and CentOS Stream. To accommodate the needs of consumers, developers frequently modify their development plans.
• Bug fixes and new features are regularly added to the distribution. Users have the option to get a sneak peek at the next RHEL release. Deployments may be completed quickly and easily by choosing early access.
• CentOS Stream is known for its superior quality. To guarantee peak performance and stability without sacrificing feature development, the distribution is put through a thorough testing process.
• Because of the rapid SDLC, CentOS can release new features quickly.
• The src and debuginfo packages are always accessible.

What are the Downsides of Using CentOS compare to Other Popular OS?

The disadvantages of using CentOS in comparison to other well-known operating systems include

• Restricted Desktop Environment: CentOS might not be the greatest solution for desktop use, despite being a strong choice for server settings. Compared to other distributions such as Fedora or Ubuntu, it does not include as many desktop environments or as many user-friendly programs.
• Outdated Packages: Because CentOS is built on top of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) stable releases, it frequently lacks the newest software packages.
• Less Software in Official Repositories: In comparison to other distributions, CentOS does not have as much software available in its official repositories. It might be difficult and time-consuming for users to add third-party repositories or assemble applications from source.
• Absence of Commercial Support: CentOS does not provide formal commercial support, in contrast to RHEL. Although there is a user community that may help, companies or users that need professional or rapid support could find this insufficient.
• Delays in security patches: Despite CentOS's reputation for dependability and long-term support, security patches may not always arrive on time. This might result in possible security vulnerabilities as updates are initially applied to RHEL before being transferred to CentOS.

How do I Check the Current Version of CentOS Stream on My System?

To check the current version of CentOS Stream installed on your system, you can use the following methods:

1. Using the /etc/os-release file: Run the next command to view the CentOS Stream version. This will display detailed information about your CentOS Stream version. Look for the VERSION or VERSION_ID field, which will indicate the version (e.g., "CentOS Stream 9").

   cat /etc/os-release

2. Using the hostnamectl command: The hostname and associated parameters of the system are queried and changed using this operation. It pulls data, including the results of the uname -a command, from files like /etc/centos-release. Run the next command to view the CentOS Stream version. The output will include the "Operating System" field, which shows the CentOS Stream version.

   hostnamectl

3. Using the rpm command: Run the next command to view the CentOS Stream version. This will directly return the release package version, which corresponds to your CentOS Stream version.

   rpm -qa centos-release

4. Using the lsb_release command: A partnership between several Linux distributions, the Linux Standard Base (lsb) effort seeks to standardize the software subsystem architecture of the participating Linux distributions. The lsb_release command is a crucial tool in this framework for providing comprehensive details on the CentOS version that is installed on the machine. Lsb utilities are frequently not provided by default. Therefore, before using the lsb commands to check the CentOS version, you must install the required package by running the next command:

   yum install redhat-lsb-core

   When asked to authenticate the installation process, provide your root password. After that, hit Y and Enter to confirm and start the installation. After installation, you may use the following command to get the CentOS version information:

   lsb_release –d

5. Viewing Linux Kernel Version: It might be as important to know the Linux kernel version that your CentOS system is running as it is to know the operating system's distribution release version. You may use the uname command to find the kernel release version.

   uname -r

Is CentOS Stream Suitable for Enterprise Use?

Perhaps. CentOS Stream may be appropriate for corporate use, depending upon the organization's unique requirements and risk appetite. CentOS Stream is a rolling-release distribution positioned upstream of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). This indicates that it functions as a preview of forthcoming RHEL versions, making it less reliable than conventional CentOS, which was downstream of RHEL.

As seen by Facebook's deployment of an OS developed from CentOS Stream to manage heavy workloads, Red Hat's first statement implied that CentOS Stream may function effectively in business situations. It is not intended for production usage, though, according to a remark from a Red Hat whitepaper.

CentOS Stream may not be suitable for organizations seeking optimal reliability and long-term support, since it undergoes more frequent upgrades and may include modifications that lack comprehensive testing. Nonetheless, it may be an advantageous option for firms seeking to remain at the forefront of innovation and are willing to manage possible challenges as they occur.

If your organization depends on mission-critical systems, you can investigate alternatives such as RHEL or other enterprise-grade distributions like Ubuntu LTS or SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, which provide strong support and reliable release cycles. CentOS Stream, meanwhile, may serve as a cost-efficient alternative for development environments or nonessential workloads.

Is Zenarmor Compatible with CentOS Stream?

Yes. Zenarmor is compatible with CentOS Stream 9 platforms. You can install Zenarmor on your CentOS Stream 9 node easily and protect it or the networks behind it against cyber attacks.

What Alternatives Exist to CentOS Stream?

CentOS Stream, a rolling-release Linux distribution that serves as the source for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), has led several customers to explore alternatives after the transition from the conventional CentOS paradigm. Below are a few well-known alternatives for CentOS and CentOS Stream.

1. AlmaLinux: 1:1 binary-compatible RHEL fork, developed and supported by the AlmaLinux Foundation. It’s a strong contender for those seeking stability and long-term support. The advantages of AlmaLinux are as follows.

   • Direct CentOS replacement. Because AlmaLinux OS is compatible with RHEL application binaries, it provides a seamless transfer for CentOS Stream users.
   • Almalinux pledges to provide stability and security upgrades for the foreseeable future as part of its long-term support.
   • Community-driven. AlmaLinux is an open source, community-owned, and regulated enterprise Linux distribution that may be used as a dependable stand-in for CentOS Stream 8 EOL.

   The main drawback of Alma Linux is that, compared to CentOS, Alma Linux is still regarded as being relatively young, despite its growing popularity.

2. Rocky Linux: A community-driven, enterprise-grade operating system designed to be a 1:1 binary-compatible fork of RHEL. It was founded by one of CentOS's original creators.

   The advantages of Rocky Linux are as follows.

   • Experience similar to RHEL: Rocky Linux was developed by the CentOS co-founder with the goal of becoming a genuine upstream-compatible substitute that offers a recognizable RHEL-like experience.
   • Strong support from the community: Rocky Linux has established a cooperative atmosphere where users may share experiences and information thanks to its active community.
   • Sponsor support: Rocky Linux is in a strong position to emerge as one of the top CentOS Stream 8 EOL substitutes thanks to the community's and a number of sponsors' support. The main drawback of Alma Linux is that, Rocky Linux is still in its infancy, so users may experience some growing pains or a lack of certain capabilities, despite its promise.

3. Oracle Linux: A RHEL-compatible distribution with additional features and support options. It’s free to use, with optional paid support. The advantages of Oracle Linux are as follows.

   • RHEL compatibility: Oracle Linux is very compatible with RHEL applications since it is built on the same upstream sources as RHEL.
   • Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel: This feature, which improves speed, scalability, and security, is available in Oracle Linux. The main drawback of Oracle Linux is that its components are proprietary. Because Oracle Linux has certain proprietary components, some users could be wary of it, which could affect their infrastructure's open-source philosophy.

4. Ubuntu Server: A Debian-based distribution with long-term support (LTS) versions, widely used in enterprise and cloud environments.

   The advantages of Ubuntu Server are as follows.

   • Easy to use: Ubuntu is renowned for having an intuitive interface that makes it usable by people with different degrees of Linux expertise.
   • Huge community support: Ubuntu boasts a sizable and vibrant community, which guarantees a wealth of resources for help and troubleshooting. The disadvantages of Ubuntu Server are as follows.
   • Package management: It could take more effort because the package format (deb) differs from CentOS/RHEL (rpm).
   • Regular releases: In a production setting where stability is crucial, some users may find Ubuntu's rapid release cycle less appealing, even while others like the frequent upgrades.

Is CentOS Stream Best Distribution for Servers?

No, servers are not best served by the CentOS stream. In fact, CentOS Stream may be appropriate, particularly for development and testing environments, if you require access to more recent software and are at ease with the possibility of more frequent updates and modifications.

CentOS 9 Stream may be used as a server, though. Because it's a rolling-release version that offers an early look at the upcoming minor RHEL release, it's reliable and appropriate for use in production settings. Just be sure that its rolling-update model and any related adjustments are acceptable to you. CentOS Stream is used by Twitter and Meta Platforms, the company that makes Facebook and WhatsApp.

Only until the conclusion of the Full Support Phase of a RHEL Product's Life Cycle will a CentOS Stream version be operational and accessible. This usually means that a CentOS Stream version will be made available a little before the RHEL version's beta release and continue to be accessible for five years after the RHEL version's official release.

In the case of CentOS Stream 9, the Full Support Phase would typically conclude at the end of the month five years after RHEL 9 was launched on May 17, 2022. Thus, on May 31, 2027, CentOS Stream 9 would cease development and be archived. RHEL would be a better choice as the best Linux distribution for servers if you want your server to last longer than that.