Navigating the Post-EOL Landscape: Secure Your Linux Future (Without the Hassle)

As we approach the one-year mark since the end-of-life (EOL) date for CentOS, many IT leaders are facing the challenging reality of managing systems without official support. The term “end-of-life” isn’t about the software disappearing but rather, it’s left without updates, patches, or integrations. With CentOS and RHEL reaching this point on June 30, 2024, running it or other distributions nearing EOL exposes organizations to increasing risks.

Running unsupported Linux isn’t just risky; it’s dangerous. Without regular patches and updates, your linux systems are vulnerable to:

• Security Threats: Outdated systems are prime targets for hackers due to known vulnerabilities. Unpatched systems contribute to a large percentage of breaches.
• Compliance Issues: Meeting regulatory requirements becomes nearly impossible on unsupported platforms.
• Operational Headaches: Losing vendor support can cause compatibility issues as other parts of your environment evolve.

Migration projects are costly and time-consuming. Fortunately, ending support doesn’t have to mean ending the road for your existing CentOS or RHEL systems. While extended support options exist, there’s a simpler, more cost-effective approach.

The Zero-Migration Solution: SUSE Multi-Linux Support (MLS)

At SUSE, we offer an alternative: SUSE Multi-Linux Support (MLS). Formerly known as SUSE Liberty Linux, MLS is designed specifically for RHEL and CentOS users.

No migration is required. You keep your existing CentOS or RHEL installation, simply switching to SUSE patch repositories. This provides 100% application binary compatibility, ensuring your workloads run without disruption.

With SUSE MLS, you get timely maintenance updates and security patches from a single provider. We deliver patches typically within five business days of release. It provides a unified support experience for heterogeneous environments, including RHEL, CentOS, and SLES. By extending the lifecycle of your OS, you can now manage your Linux support on your timeline, not dictated by a vendor.

SUSE MLS helps reduce operational costs. Lowering your enterprise Linux support expenses frees up crucial budgets that can be reinvested into innovation, such as cloud initiatives and digital transformation. It’s about regaining control and accelerating your IT roadmap.

Why SUSE?

Beyond cost savings and zero-migration, choosing SUSE means leveraging over three decades of deep Linux expertise and open-source commitment. Our longevity is proven through consistent contributions to the Linux kernel and robust, long-term supported enterprise solutions. Trust SUSE for our certified secure software supply chain, proactive security patching, and advanced features like Confidential Computing. We provide stable, reliable, and performant systems built on a foundation of open-source transparency and engineering excellence.

Special Offer for AWS Customers
For those running CentOS or RHEL workloads on AWS, we have a specialized promotion to help you secure support and reduce costs. We’re offering discounted pricing on a 1-year subscription for SUSE Multi-Linux Support on AWS.

• For CentOS 7 customers: Get the SUSE MLS Lite package (100 minimum subscriptions, per VM 1-year coverage, upfront payment) for $25/VM
• For RHEL 7, 8, and 9 customers: Get the SUSE MLS Professional package, which includes Priority support from SUSE  (1-2 socket/VM, 1-year coverage) for $750.

This limited offer is available on the AWS Marketplace and expires on October 31, 2025.

Don’t let unsupported Linux systems become a burden or a risk. Secure your environment, regain control and free up budget for innovation. Explore the SUSE Multi-Linux Support promotion on the AWS Marketplace. Or, if you’d like to dive deeper into how this zero-migration approach can work for you, evaluations require a sales specialist engagement.

Make your Linux support strategy smarter, more flexible and focused on the future.