We know 'Linux is a cancer'; could CentOS chaos spell opportunity for Microsoft?
Microsoft's Azure Linux, a lightweight open-source OS, is gaining traction after CentOS support ended. It's used for Azure Kubernetes Service, with LinkedIn's migration boosting credibility, despite challenges in the Linux community.
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Microsoft's Azure Linux, previously known as CBL-Mariner, is an open-source operating system primarily designed for internal use but has potential for broader distribution. Analyst Mary Jo Foley suggests that Azure Linux, which is lightweight and secure, could fill a gap in the Linux market, especially following the end of support for CentOS. Currently, Azure Linux is utilized as a container host OS for Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and supports both x86 and Arm architectures. This is significant as there is no publicly supported version of Windows Server for Arm, despite increasing interest in Arm technology. Foley notes that more workloads in Azure are running Linux than Windows Server, indicating a strategic opportunity for Microsoft. LinkedIn has recently migrated from CentOS to Azure Linux, which may enhance the platform's credibility. However, Azure Linux is not yet available as a commercially supported offering for virtual machines or bare metal, limiting its current use. While Microsoft may not profit directly from Azure Linux, it could serve as a valuable tool to drive Azure cloud adoption and address concerns about support and maintenance. Overcoming the historical skepticism towards Microsoft in the Linux community remains a challenge.
- Azure Linux is Microsoft's lightweight, secure open-source OS, previously known as CBL-Mariner.
- The end of CentOS support presents an opportunity for Azure Linux to gain traction.
- Azure Linux is currently used primarily for Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).
- LinkedIn's migration to Azure Linux may enhance its credibility in the Linux community.
- Microsoft faces challenges in changing perceptions about its role in the Linux ecosystem.
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5 commentsIf MS doesn't create a RHEL clone while promising a century-long support period, I don't see how it could be an opportunity.
Old CentOS users can switch to Alma/Rocky/Oracle for free, can shell out money for RHEL, or can switch to other distros - of course Azure is also an "other distro", but there are quite a few other with decades of history (better history than MS has)...
This is exactly the reason why most folks using .NET on GNU/Linux are Microsoft shops saving costs on server licenses, and not UNIX shops, despite .NET team best efforts.
Those of us who remember the SCO bullsh*t have not forgotten what they are capable of.
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