Rocky Linux 9.6 on Microsoft Azure

Deploy Rocky Linux 9.6 on Azure Virtual Machines with this secure, lightweight, and RHEL-compatible image. Packaged and maintained by ProComputers, it is optimized for cloud-init automation, fast boot, and enterprise workloads — a reliable choice for production environments and CentOS migration.

Key Features

• Bug-for-bug RHEL 9.6 compatibility: fully binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, ensuring seamless application support and smooth migrations.
• Cloud-init enabled: automated provisioning and configuration at deployment time for faster, repeatable cloud workflows.
• Optimized for fast boot: tuned for Azure Managed Disks to minimize startup times and improve workload responsiveness.
• Secure by default: SELinux enforced and SSH hardened, reducing attack surfaces and meeting enterprise security standards.
• Accelerated Networking support: delivers low-latency, high-throughput networking ideal for modern cloud applications.
• Continuous security updates: regularly maintained with the latest patches to ensure stability and compliance in production environments.

Benefits of Using Rocky Linux 9.6 in Azure Cloud

• Enterprise-grade performance: optimized for Microsoft Azure, Rocky Linux 9.6 ensures reliability and scalability for critical business workloads.
• Community-driven innovation: maintained by the open-source Rocky Linux community, providing transparency, stability, and rapid security updates.
• Long-term support (LTS): ideal for production systems requiring stability, predictable updates, and consistent lifecycle management.
• Lightweight and resource-efficient: designed for fast boot times and efficient operation in both development and production environments.
• Trusted CentOS replacement: fully RHEL-compatible, making migration from CentOS seamless while preserving application compatibility.

Use Cases

• Deploy modern web servers with Apache, Nginx, PHP, or Python to run scalable websites and cloud applications.
• Run popular CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla, optimized for high availability and secure hosting on Azure.
• Host e-commerce solutions such as Magento or PrestaShop with full RHEL compatibility, ensuring reliable performance for online stores.
• Launch enterprise databases including MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB for applications requiring robust data storage and high throughput.
• Build LAMP/LEMP stacks to support cloud-native apps and microservices with Rocky Linux 9.6 as a stable foundation.
• Create CI/CD pipelines using Ansible, Terraform, Jenkins, or Azure DevOps to automate deployments and streamline DevOps workflows.
• Deploy APIs and frameworks with Node.js, Django, or Flask, taking advantage of Azure scalability for backend services.

FAQ

Is Rocky Linux 9.6 RHEL-compatible? Yes. Rocky Linux 9.6 is fully bug-for-bug compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.6, ensuring seamless application support and easy migration from CentOS or RHEL-based systems.

Can I use it for production? Absolutely. Rocky Linux 9.6 is a stable, secure, and enterprise-ready operating system, making it ideal for production workloads in Microsoft Azure cloud environments.

Who maintains this image? The VM image is packaged and maintained by ProComputers, ensuring quality, reliability, and ongoing support for Azure users.

Explore our other Azure Marketplace VM images

• Oracle Linux 8
• Oracle Linux 9
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9
• AlmaLinux 8
• AlmaLinux 9
• Rocky Linux 8
• Rocky Linux 9
• CentOS 9
• CentOS 10

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