Was CentOS Shutdown?

If you are a Linux user, you may be wondering if CentOS is discontinued. The short answer is yes, CentOS is discontinued with some important nuances to this decision that are worth exploring.

First, it's important to understand what CentOS is and why it's important in the Linux ecosystem. CentOS is a free and open-source Linux distribution that is based on the same source code as Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). This means that CentOS provides the same functionality and stability as RHEL, but without the cost of a Red Hat subscription.

CentOS has been a popular choice for enterprise users who need a stable and reliable operating system for their servers. However, on December 8th, 2020, Red Hat announced that they were changing the focus of CentOS.

Instead of continuing to develop CentOS as a standalone distribution, Red Hat announced that they would be shifting their efforts towards CentOS Stream, a rolling release that provides a continuous stream of updates and improvements to the RHEL codebase.

This decision has understandably caused some concern among CentOS users. Many users have relied on CentOS as a stable and predictable platform for their servers, and the move to CentOS Stream could potentially disrupt this stability.

It's worth noting that CentOS Stream, although a similar name, is different from the traditional CentOS distribution. CentOS Stream provides a more up-to-date and rapidly evolving platform that tracks the development of RHEL more closely. This means that CentOS Stream will be more suitable for users who need the latest features and improvements but may not be as suitable for users who require a rock-solid predictable platform.

If you are currently using CentOS, you may be wondering what this means for you. If you need a stable and predictable platform, you may want to consider switching to another Linux distribution that can provide this. Some popular alternatives to CentOS include Debian, Ubuntu Server, and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.

Alternatively, if you are interested in using CentOS Stream, you may want to start testing it out to see if it meets your needs before your installation of the more traditional CentOS falls too far behind. CentOS Stream is still a relatively new distribution, and it may take some time for it to mature and become a truly suitable replacement for traditional CentOS.

In conclusion, CentOS is discontinued, but there are still options available for Linux users who need a stable and reliable platform. Whether you decide to switch to a different distribution or start testing CentOS Stream, it's important to consider your long-term needs and choose a platform that will meet those needs in the years to come.