On June 30, 2024, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 (RHEL 7) reached the end of its maintenance support phase. Users must now consider upgrading to newer versions to continue receiving updates and support. By upgrading to a newer version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, users can ensure their systems remain secure, compliant, and performant.
What is Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7?
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 (RHEL 7) is an enterprise-grade operating system designed for stability, security, and performance. It has been a reliable platform for businesses since its release, supporting various applications and workloads.
EOM vs. EOL
- End of Maintenance (EOM): As of June 30, 2024, RHEL 7 no longer receives critical security updates or bug fixes.
- End of Life (EOL): EOL occurs when a product is completely discontinued. RHEL 7 has not yet reached EOL; it is still available with limited support through the Extended Lifecycle Support (ELS) Add-on until June 30, 2028.
Why Upgrade Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7?
Upgrading to a newer version of RHEL offers several benefits:
- Security: Access to the latest security patches and updates.
- Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements with up-to-date software.
- Performance: Improved performance with newer hardware and software optimizations.
- Features: Access to new features and capabilities not available in RHEL 7.
Licensing
To upgrade, you’ll need to have a valid subscription for the newer version. If you have any specific licensing questions or need assistance with the upgrade process, please contact SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT.
How to Upgrade
To upgrade from RHEL 7:
- Backup Data: Ensure all critical data is backed up.
- Check Compatibility: Verify that your applications and hardware are compatible with the new version.
- Use Red Hat Tools: Utilize Red Hat’s upgrade tools and documentation for a smooth transition.
- Test: Perform the upgrade in a test environment before applying it to production systems.
Extended Life-cycle Support (ELS) Add-On
The Extended Life-cycle Support (ELS) Add-On delivers certain Red Hat-defined critical security fixes, selected urgent priority bug fixes, and troubleshooting for the last minor release of a given version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Red Hat is offering up to 4 years of extended support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 through June 30, 2028. This is a good option if you need additional time to complete your upgrade after the Red Hat Enterprise Linux EOM date on June 30, 2024. With ELS, you can revise and execute your migration plans on your schedule, while continuing to receive the support you need to protect your critical workloads.
FAQ
What happens if I don’t upgrade?
You will not receive critical security updates or bug fixes, increasing the risk of vulnerabilities.
Can I still use RHEL 7?
Yes, but with limited support through Extended Lifecycle Support (ELS) until June 30, 2028.
Do I have to upgrade to the newest version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux?
While upgrading to the most recently released version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux may seem like the obvious choice, Red Hat supports multiple versions of the operating system (OS) at the same time. The latest update to a previous numbered version might make more sense for you depending on how you manage your life cycle. Whichever numbered version you choose, keeping it current with the latest update extends your systems’ support and stability and gives you access to the newest features and benefits of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
How do I get help with the upgrade?
Red Hat provides tools, documentation, and support to assist with the upgrade process.
More information
You can read the official announcement here: https://www.redhat.com/en/technologies/linux-platforms/enterprise-linux/rhel-7-end-of-maintenance.
RedHat also provides some guidance on how to update: https://www.redhat.com/en/technologies/linux-platforms/enterprise-linux/upgrade-rhel.
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