Why run Linux on IBM Cloud?

Updated February 24, 2025•3-minute read
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What is Linux on IBM Cloud?

Linux onIBM Cloud refers to deploying and operating Linux or Linux-basedcontainersonvirtual machines or bare-metal servers on IBM'scloud infrastructure. Enterprise Linux is far more than just software and support. With Red Hat Enterprise Linux andOpenShift, we include uniquemanaged services, developer resources, operations tools, and access to an extensive partner ecosystem, stringent security certifications, and new technologies. Community-basedLinux distributions often don’t meet those standards.

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The benefits of running Linux on IBM Cloud

IBM is known for enterprise-level security and stability, and combining this with the Linux operating system results in stable environments that work alongside security solutions.

Hybrid cloud experience

IBM's solutions supporthybrid andmulticloud architectures. The cloud services are compatible withKubernetes services, which can be managed through a single interface.

Central to this are IBM Cloud Paks, a modular set of integrated software components for data analysis, organization, and management. This AI-powered software is designed to accelerate application modernization with preintegrated data, automation, and security capabilities. IBM Cloud Paks are built to work with Red Hat OpenShift®.

Deployment flexibility

Flexible deployment options are  a benefit of any hybrid cloud infrastructure. When running Linux on IBM Cloud along with a container solution, developers can deploy on-premise and to the cloud to take advantage of any environment for their business needs.

High availability

Running Linux on IBM Cloud ensureshigh availability through redundant infrastructure, automated failover, and scalable deployments. Features like auto-scaling, load balancing, and container orchestration distribute traffic efficiently, while AI-powered monitoring helps prevent failures. 

Disaster recovery

IBM Cloud features several options and systems for disaster recovery and backup solutions, ensuring continuous uptime and data protection.

Streamlined infrastructure management

IBM Cloud streamlinesinfrastructure management through automation, centralized control, and AI-driven insights. A unified dashboard provides monitoring and management of resources to reduce the complexity of multiple systems. You can also automate provisioning, scaling, and updating.

Security 

In the IBM Cloud, AI-powered analytics optimize performance and detect issues proactively. You also have access to integrated security and compliance features, which help simplify governance and ensure efficient management of workloads across hybrid and multicloud environments.

AI Capabilities

IBM Cloud both allows deployment of the watsonx generative AI tools to assist machine learning applications and provides AI-ready infrastructure to help manage AI workloads in the cloud.

Why choose Red Hat Enterprise Linux for the cloud?

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a leading choice for enterprise Linux and is certified on hundreds of clouds—like IBM Cloud—and with thousands of hardware and software vendors.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux gives you a consistent, stable, high-performance platform acrosshybrid cloud deployments, built-inmanageability, andintegration with the broader Red Hat management and automation portfolio.

Every cloud environment has its own needs, requiring a stable yet adaptable system. Red Hat Enterprise Linux provides this balance withopen source flexibility and a wide range of certifications from public cloud providers such as IBM Cloud.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux has:

  • An extensive partner ecosystem. Red Hat's partner ecosystem is a robust network of technology and service providers that collaborates to deliver integrated, certified solutions for diverse computing environments.
  • Built-in manageability. Red Hat Enterprise Linux integrates withRed Hat's management and automation tools to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and simplify complex tasks.
  • Stability, security, and scalability. Red Hat Enterprise Linux is chosen for critical applications due to its compatibility with security solutions,high availability, and scalable architecture—all backed by comprehensive support and certifications.
  • 24x7 Support. Red Hat Enterprise Linux also comes with 24x7 support.
  • Open-source innovation. Red Hat is one of the leading contributors to theLinux kernel and associated technologies in the greater open-source community and has been since the beginning.

Why choose Red Hat Enterprise Linux on IBM Cloud?

Red Hat Enterprise Linux and IBM Cloud solutions are designed to work together.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a premium solution optimized for critical workloads. Bringing the power of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and IBM Cloud’s infrastructure, it offers resiliency, scalability, and security. Standard features includeextended lifecycle, high availability, robust security, compliance analytics, and flexible guest deployment—all essential for running critical tasks.

Collaborating on technology efforts, both Red Hat and IBM work to enhance each other's offerings.

  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux is endorsed as a central Linux distribution on all major architectures.
  • IBM PowerAI is deeply integrated with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
  • IBM middleware is designed to remove barriers between IBM services and Red Hat solutions.
  • IBM’s Cloud Private service is integrated with Red Hat OpenShift to help set up hybrid cloud environments.

Get started with Red Hat Enterprise Linux on IBM Cloud

Considering IBM Cloud for your Linux setup? Learn about the dynamics between IBM Cloud and Linux, particularly with enterprise-grade solutions. Delve into the IBM and Red Hat partnership.

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Keep reading

Why run Linux on AWS?

For organizations using Amazon Web Services (AWS), Linux shortens time to market, reduces complexity, provides on-demand scalability, and lowers costs.

What is high availability?

High availability determines if a system is meeting its operational performance level, is available almost 100% of the time, and is performant for an established time period.

What is ERP?

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) unifies the massive amounts of data within an organization, and enables information flow between different teams.

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  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux

    A stable, high-performance Linux platform with built-in security and management features to help you run critical workloads anywhere in the hybrid cloud.

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