AlmaLinux is a free, open-source, enterprise Linux distribution that’s binary-compatible with RHEL. This Azure image is tuned for cloud workloads and includes the Azure Linux Agent, cloud-init, and sensible defaults so you can launch, configure, and scale confidently.

Who it’s for

• System Administrators: Platform Engineers running mission-critical Linux services on Azure
• Developers: DevOps building CI/CD, containers, and microservices
• Enterprises: MSPs standardizing on a RHEL-compatible footprint without licensing complexity

Standing up a secure, compliant Linux baseline is time-consuming. This AlmaLinux image removes guesswork with Azure-ready configuration, predictable compatibility, and a stable package ecosystem—so teams can move from VM create → app deploy faster, with fewer surprises.

Why choose this image on Azure

• Azure-Optimized from First Boot: cloud-init and Azure Linux Agent preconfigured for VM extensions, diagnostics, and lifecycle automation
• RHEL-Compatible: predictable behavior for tooling, agents, and enterprise apps that expect RHEL-style paths and packages
• Security-First Defaults: SELinux enforcing, automatic security updates available, and CIS-aligned guidance
• Performance: Reliability: works seamlessly with Premium SSDs, Accelerated Networking (supported SKUs), and Availability Zones

Key Benefits

• Reduced time to production: Launch a clean, secure baseline in minutes—no manual image prep
• Compatibility without lock-in: Run RHEL-targeted workloads on a community-backed distro
• Lower operational risk: Stable repos, predictable updates, and a broad ecosystem of agents and tools
• Automation-friendly: cloud-init user-data, VM Extensions, and ARM/Bicep/Terraform ready

Technical Highlights

• Preconfigured: Azure Linux Agent (waagent), cloud-init, SSH hardened defaults
• Security: SELinux enforcing, firewalld available, optional unattended-updates
• Networking: Supports Accelerated Networking on eligible sizes; works with Load Balancer and NAT Gateway
• Storage: Optimized for Premium SSD; TRIM enabled where applicable
• Containers: Podman/Docker compatible; great base for Kubernetes worker nodes or single-node container hosts
• Observability: Compatible with Azure Monitor/Log Analytics agents and common APM tools

Common Use Cases

• Web/app servers (Nginx, Apache, Node.js, .NET, Java)
• Databases (PostgreSQL, MariaDB/MySQL)
• CI/CD runners and build agents
• Reverse proxies, cache layers, and message brokers
• Hardened bastion or utility hosts

Get started today with AlmaLinux on Azure and deploy a secure, enterprise-ready operating system in minutes.