CentOS is Discontinued. What Does That Mean For You?

It’s finally happened. The Linux operating system CentOS has been discontinued. This has left many organizations with concerns over the compatibility, security and return on investment of their Linux workflows in the future. Facing the complexities of migrating from CentOS alone can be overwhelming, with potential pitfalls and uncertainties at every turn.

This is why finding a trusted partner is not just helpful; it’s essential. SUSE Multi-Linux Support Services offers businesses a clear, efficient path forward, ensuring your operations remain smooth and secure. Whether you need a quick health check or a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul, SUSE stands by your side. You don’t have to struggle through the uncertainty of understanding why CentOS was discontinued or what to do next on your own—let SUSE be your trusted guide through the process.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how SUSE Multi-Linux Support Services can help you:

• Navigate the CentOS EOL
• Ensure operational continuity
• Maintain security and compliance
• Scale infrastructure effectively
• Access expert guidance and support
  

Why is CentOS being Discontinued?

CentOS has been a popular open source Linux distribution widely used for enterprise workloads due to its reliability and compatibility with RHEL. However, its discontinuation was announced in 2020 as part of a shift in focus toward CentOS Stream, a development platform upstream of RHEL. This change has left many enterprises searching for stable alternatives to maintain their critical systems and security updates.

The Challenges of Finding a Replacement for CentOS

Now that CentOS is discontinued, businesses face significant challenges, including concerns about security, compliance and operational continuity. SUSE Global Services are designed to mitigate these challenges by providing best-in-class support and expertise. Here’s how SUSE Multi-Linux Support directly address these challenges:

1. Security and Compliance: Ensuring your Linux environment remains secure and compliant is crucial. SUSE Multi-Linux Support Services offer comprehensive health checks, validation and best practices to maintain a secure infrastructure without the need to move to a new distribution.
2. Operational Continuity: Maintaining operational continuity is essential, especially with the end-of-life for CentOS. SUSE Multi-Linux Support Services provide ongoing patches, updates and support, ensuring your operations run smoothly and without disruption.
3. Scalability and Flexibility: As your business grows, so do your infrastructure needs. SUSE Multi-Linux Support Services offer scalable solutions tailored to your specific requirements, ensuring your existing Linux environment evolves with your business.
4. Expert Support: Managing your current CentOS environment post-EOL requires expert guidance. SUSE Multi-Linux Support Services provide dedicated CentOS extended support from experienced consultants, ensuring your team is well-equipped to handle any challenges without migrating to a new distribution.

SUSE Offers Tailored Solutions for Every Business Need

SUSE Multi-Linux Support offers a seamless and efficient path forward for businesses facing the end-of-life for CentOS. With no migration required, organizations can continue using their current CentOS 7 environments while receiving ongoing patches, updates and support.

SUSE services are crafted to facilitate a frictionless transition to SUSE Multi-Linux Support, ensuring a quick return on investment. With three fixed-priced solutions—Onboard, Automate and Automate Plus—businesses can select the service that best meets their unique requirements, from small-scale operations to complex infrastructures, and ensure the secure continuation of discontinued CentOS workflows.

Onboard: Smooth Transition for Standard Infrastructures

The Onboard service is perfect for businesses that ran CentOS 7 with a standard infrastructure. This service provides up to three days with a SUSE consultant who will validate your infrastructure and ensure its health. With the Onboard service, you can rest easy knowing your transition to SUSE Multi-Linux Support, including the shift to SUSE repositories, will be handled seamlessly. This remote-only offering guarantees that your onboarding with SUSE Multi-Linux Support is executed with precision and minimal disruption.

Automate: Comprehensive Management for Diverse Infrastructures

For organizations integrating SUSE Manager into their diverse infrastructure, the Automate service is the ideal choice. SUSE Manager is the only management solution that handles 16 different Linux distributions, including all variants of Enterprise Linux, from a single console. In a two-week engagement, a SUSE consultant will validate your current multi-distro infrastructure, implement SUSE Manager and conduct knowledge transfer sessions to equip your team for independent management. This service includes both on-site and remote support, ensuring your infrastructure is managed with the highest level of expertise.

Automate Plus: Flexible and Scalable Solutions

Whether you need to scale SUSE Manager for a growing infrastructure or pilot advanced automation use cases, Automate Plus provides a customized approach. With up to two weeks of on-site support and additional remote engagement as needed, your team will gain the skills and knowledge required for successful infrastructure management.

Support and Consulting Services

SUSE Services go beyond just the primary service offerings with additional support and consulting services designed to enhance your transition and management of SUSE Multi-Linux Support:

• Premium Support Services: Gain direct access to a named engineer who can support your entire environment, including RHEL, CentOS, SLES and Multi-Linux support.
• Consulting Engagements: Optimize your implementation of SUSE Multi-Linux Support with consulting services ranging from validating the health of your current infrastructure to implementing solutions for simplified management and migration services to SLES.
• eLearning Subscriptions: Get your team up to speed on all SUSE technologies at your convenience with flexible eLearning options.

Worried that CentOS is discontinued? Why Choose SUSE Multi-Linux Support Services?

Engaging with SUSE Multi-Linux Support Services offers a transformative advantage, one that accelerates your organization’s journey towards innovation and efficiency following CentOS being discontinued. By leveraging SUSE’s best practices and proven expertise, you create a secure and compliant Linux environment that’s built to last. The decision to engage with SUSE Services upfront isn’t just strategic; it’s visionary. It reduces future support costs, ensuring a smart, long-term investment.

As we face the uncertainty surrounding the future of CentOS, SUSE Multi-Linux Support Services emerge as a beacon of reliability and flexibility. We provide a comprehensive approach to managing your Linux infrastructure, tailored to meet your unique needs. With expert support and additional services enhancing your experience, SUSE Multi-Linux Support Services stands out as the ideal replacement for CentOS. Don’t wait for uncertainty to dictate your path.

Engage with SUSE Multi-Linux Support Services today and embark on a journey towards a more efficient and secure Linux environment.