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Are you a Linux professional looking to enhance your system’s security measures? Learn how to enable FIPS on your RHEL7/CentOS7 machine and ensure compliance with
This article outlines the significance of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) version 6.X reaching its end-of-life Maintenance II support phase on November 30, 2020, urging users to consider upgrading to RHEL7 or RHEL8.4 to ensure continued technical support and security, while also providing insights into RHEL’s life-cycle phases and support options.
In the ever-evolving landscape of operating systems, keeping up with the latest updates and security patches is paramount. RHEL6.X bid adieu to its Maintenance II support phase on November 30, 2020, leaving users at a crossroads: stick with the outdated system or embrace the advancements of RHEL7 and beyond.
If you’re still clinging to RHEL6, it’s time to reassess your strategy. In this guide, we’ll explore the significance of RHEL’s life-cycle phases and unveil the compelling reasons to upgrade to RHEL7 or even leapfrog to the latest RHEL8.4 release.
NOTE: RHEL7 reaches end of maintenance on June 30, 2024.
Red Hat operates on a meticulously planned life-cycle model, ensuring users receive adequate support and timely updates throughout the OS’s journey. Let’s break it down:
During the initial 5-6 years, RHEL basks in full support glory. Red Hat showers users with critical updates, security advisories, and high-priority bug fixes. It’s a period of stability and reliability, backed by responsive technical support.
As RHEL matures, it transitions into the Maintenance Support I Phase, spanning roughly a year. While the level of technical assistance remains robust, updates to install images are less frequent, occurring only when necessary.
In the twilight years of RHEL’s life cycle, we encounter the Maintenance Support II Phase. Lasting 2-3 years, this phase maintains critical updates and security fixes but bids farewell to new features and hardware support. It’s a pivotal stage where administrators must contemplate the leap to the next major release to avoid stagnation.
For those with unique circumstances, such as stringent security requirements or legacy code dependencies, Red Hat offers extended life-cycle support. This lifeline, lasting 2-4 years, prioritizes security patches and critical bug fixes, providing a bridge for organizations navigating complex migration challenges.
Now that you grasp the intricacies of RHEL’s life cycle, the path forward becomes clear: it’s time to upgrade. Whether you opt for the stability of RHEL7 or dive headfirst into the cutting-edge features of RHEL8.4, the benefits are undeniable.
By upgrading, you ensure continued technical support, access to the latest security patches, and compatibility with modern hardware and software. Moreover, you future-proof your infrastructure, paving the way for enhanced performance and scalability.
As the curtains close on RHEL 6.X’s journey, the stage is set for a new chapter in your organization’s IT landscape. Don’t let outdated systems hold you back. Seize the opportunity to upgrade to RHEL7 or RHEL8.4 and embark on a journey of innovation and resilience.
Remember, the key to staying ahead in today’s dynamic environment lies in adaptability and foresight. Upgrade your OS, elevate your capabilities, and embrace the future with confidence.
*** If you’d like to read more on this topic, visit the RHEL life-cycle and update policies page. It goes into greater detail on the life-cycle process and what you can expect from RHEL technical support at each phase ***
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