CoreOS vs Oracle Linux: What are the differences?

Introduction

CoreOS and Oracle Linux are both operating systems commonly used in server environments. While they share some similarities, there are key differences that set them apart. This article will highlight six major differences between CoreOS and Oracle Linux.

1. Containerization Support: CoreOS is specifically designed to run containerized applications, making it a popular choice for running Docker containers. It comes with built-in tools like etcd and fleet which facilitate container orchestration. On the other hand, while Oracle Linux can also run containerized applications, it does not have the same level of native support for containerization as CoreOS.

2. Distribution Model: CoreOS follows a rolling-release model, where frequent updates are pushed to users automatically. This ensures that users are always running the latest version of the operating system, with minimal effort required on their part. In contrast, Oracle Linux follows a more traditional model with major releases and updates being made available at specific intervals.

3. Backed by Different Companies: CoreOS was initially developed and maintained by CoreOS Inc. before being acquired by Red Hat (now IBM). On the other hand, Oracle Linux is developed and supported by Oracle Corporation. The different backing companies can have implications in terms of support, development priorities, and integration with other products.

4. Package Management Systems: CoreOS uses the Container Linux Update Operator (cluop) as its package management system. It makes use of the transactional update approach, which enables atomic upgrades and rollbacks of the entire operating system. Oracle Linux, on the other hand, uses the yum package manager, which is derived from the Red Hat Package Manager (RPM).

5. Licensing: CoreOS is an open-source operating system released under the Apache License, Version 2.0. This means that users have the freedom to modify and distribute the source code. Oracle Linux, however, is based on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) source code and follows a commercial license model. Users need to purchase support subscriptions from Oracle to receive updates and support.

6. Target Audience: CoreOS is primarily targeted towards cloud-native, scalable, and containerized environments. It is designed to be lightweight, minimal, and highly optimized for running distributed applications. On the other hand, Oracle Linux is aimed at enterprise customers who require a stable, secure, and certified operating system for running their business-critical applications.

In summary, CoreOS and Oracle Linux differ in their level of containerization support, distribution model, backing companies, package management systems, licensing, and target audience. These differences should be taken into consideration when selecting the most suitable operating system for specific use cases.