CentOS has long been a favorite among system administrators and businesses looking for a stable, enterprise-grade Linux distribution without the cost of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). However, CentOS 10, the next anticipated release in the CentOS series, never materialized. Instead, the CentOS project took an unexpected turn with the introduction of CentOS Stream. Let’s explore what happened to CentOS 10, the impact of this shift, and the alternatives available today.
What Happened to CentOS 10?
For years, CentOS followed a simple yet effective model: it was a downstream rebuild CentOS 10 of RHEL, providing users with a free and stable alternative to the enterprise-grade operating system. After the release of CentOS 8, the community naturally expected CentOS 9 and CentOS 10 to follow in the same manner.
However, in December 2020, Red Hat announced a major change—CentOS Linux as a stable downstream release would be discontinued, and CentOS Stream would take its place as an upstream, rolling-release version of RHEL. This effectively meant that CentOS 10, as we imagined it, would never be released.
The Shift to CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream now serves as a continuously updated, rolling preview of what will become the next minor RHEL release. While this has its advantages, such as getting early access to new features, it lacks the predictability and stability that traditional CentOS users relied on. Businesses and developers who preferred CentOS for its reliability now had to reconsider their options.
Why Was CentOS 10 Canceled?
The decision to move to CentOS Stream was driven by several factors:
Better Collaboration with Developers – Red Hat wanted CentOS to serve as a testing ground for upcoming RHEL features, allowing developers and contributors to provide feedback before they became part of RHEL.
More Frequent Updates – Unlike the old CentOS model that followed RHEL releases, CentOS Stream delivers updates continuously, keeping it more current.
Business Strategy – Some speculate that shifting away from stable CentOS versions was a strategic move to push enterprise users toward paid RHEL subscriptions.
Regardless of the reasons, the change left many CentOS users searching for alternative solutions that could provide the stability and longevity they previously enjoyed.
Alternatives to CentOS 10
With CentOS 10 no longer an option, organizations and users had to explore new paths. Several CentOS replacements have emerged, aiming to fill the gap left behind:
1. Rocky Linux
One of the most prominent CentOS replacements, Rocky Linux was founded by Gregory Kurtzer, the original creator of CentOS. It is designed to be a 1:1 downstream rebuild of RHEL, maintaining the same level of stability and reliability that CentOS once provided.
2. AlmaLinux
Another direct CentOS alternative, AlmaLinux is backed by CloudLinux and also serves as a RHEL-compatible, community-driven enterprise Linux distribution. It offers long-term support and security updates, making it an excellent choice for businesses.
3. Oracle Linux
Oracle Linux is another RHEL-compatible distribution that has been available for years. It offers additional performance enhancements and support options but remains free for general use.
4. Debian or Ubuntu LTS
While not RHEL-based, some users have chosen to move to Debian or Ubuntu LTS versions for their stability, security, and strong community support.
5. Staying with CentOS Stream
Some users have decided to stick with CentOS Stream despite its rolling-release model. While it may not be as stable as traditional CentOS, it still provides a free and reliable Linux environment closely tied to RHEL development.
What This Means for System Administrators
The cancellation of CentOS 10 has forced system administrators to rethink their long-term strategies. While CentOS Stream may work for some, those who need a truly stable operating system have had to transition to alternatives like Rocky Linux or AlmaLinux.
Key Considerations When Migrating
Compatibility – If your systems rely on RHEL-based compatibility, switching to Rocky Linux or AlmaLinux makes the transition smoother.
Support and Community – Look for a distribution with a strong support network, especially for enterprise use.
Long-Term Viability – Choose a solution that guarantees long-term support and stability, avoiding unnecessary migrations in the near future.
Final Thoughts
CentOS 10 was never released, marking the end CentOS 10 of an era for one of the most trusted Linux distributions in the enterprise world. While CentOS Stream has taken its place, it does not fully meet the needs of those who relied on CentOS for its downstream stability. Fortunately, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, and other alternatives have stepped in to fill the void, ensuring that users still have reliable, free, enterprise-grade Linux options.
The lesson from CentOS 10’s disappearance is clear—always have a contingency plan when relying on open-source software, as even the most trusted distributions can take unexpected turns.
