As of June 30, 2024, CentOS 7 and CloudLinux 7, two of the most widely used Linux distributions, will reach the end of their life cycles (EOL). This means that users of these versions will no longer receive crucial security updates or new features. Therefore, it is strongly recommended for CentOS users to migrate to AlmaLinux 8 or Rocky Linux 8, and for CloudLinux 7 users to migrate to CloudLinux 8, to ensure the security and continuity of their operating system updates.
What is CentOS & CloudLinux ?
CentOS is the operating system powering the vast majority of servers hosting your websites and emails. It is recognized as a leader among open-source Linux distributions, being a derivative version of the Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® (RHEL) operating system.
CloudLinux, on the other hand, is specifically designed for shared hosting environments. Based on the CentOS/RHEL distribution, it offers a range of features and enhancements tailored to web hosting providers and their clients.
End of Life (EOL)
End of Life (EOL) occurs when a product or service is discontinued. Organizations using this product must transition to a new solution to continue receiving updates and security patches.
Which systems will be affected?
All systems operating on CentOS 7 and CloudLinux 7 will be affected by this end of life.
If you are using shared hosting, our team will proactively manage system upgrades for you, ensuring you continue to benefit from a secure and compliant digital infrastructure.
For those using Managed VPS, Cloud, or Dedicated servers, we plan upcoming maintenance operations to assist you in staying up to date. Detailed communications outlining the process and maintenance periods will be sent in the coming weeks, but feel free to contact our support team if you need assistance or clarification.
CloudLinux wants to offer its customers using CloudLinuxOS 7 an "Extended Life Cycle Support (ELS)", which means more time to migrate to the latest version of the CloudLinux operating system. In this case, security patches will be provided for an additional 12 months.
Note: In order to benefit from “Extended Life Cycle Support (ELS)”, you must contact our sales department.
How do I know which version I am using ?
If you have a Cloud or Dedicated server with Heberjahiz, you can identify which operating system you are using by connecting via SSH and running the command below:
# cat /etc/centos-releaseIf you are using a VPS, Cloud, or Dedicated server with cPanel, you can also log in to WHM as the root user. The system version will be displayed on the top right side of your screen.
What are the next steps to take ?
Ensure you check the status of your backups
Take the time to verify your recent off-server backups of all your data so you can easily restore them if needed. Heberjahiz offers a backup solution, powered by R1 Soft, to secure your data during this migration process.
- Clean up your accounts
Review your cPanel accounts and perform a general cleanup to reduce the overall size of accounts that need to be migrated or restored. This may also include your email accounts.
- Upgrade to a recent version of PHP
Starting from March 2024, it is recommended to use PHP 8.2 or later to ensure compatibility and security.
- Inform your IT team or developers
Their involvement may be necessary after the migration in case of unforeseen incidents.
What are the risks associated with migration ?
Data migration between systems always carries inherent risks. While migrations between cPanel systems are generally straightforward, special precautions may be needed if you use custom scripts or applications. Potential issues after migration include PHP version or configuration incompatibilities, missing libraries or software, DNS or IP configuration changes, SSL certificate transfer issues, and more.
Our team is here to help you mitigate these risks and ensure a smooth migration process by promptly addressing any potential issues.
How can I migrate to a newer operating system ?
AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are Linux distributions designed to be stable and open-source replacements for CentOS Linux. They are built from the same source code as Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), offering compatibility and reliability to professional users. You can migrate in three ways:
- Deploy a new server with AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux and then migrate your data. This way, there will be no downtime.
- Perform a remote backup of your data, perform a fresh installation of AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux (OS Reload), and then restore your data from your backup.
- Migration using the Elevate tool, which facilitates smooth migrations between major versions of RHEL derivatives. Focusing on simplicity and efficiency, the Elevate project aims to streamline the process of upgrading systems to the latest versions of RHEL derivatives.
For distributions using the cPanel management interface, you should use the cPanel Elevate tool. Servers using CentOS distribution can use the AlmaLinux Elevate tool. As for servers with CloudLinux, they should use the CloudLinux Elevate tool. We emphasize the importance of having comprehensive and proven backups before undertaking this procedure.
If you are a Heberjahiz client, and you have a machine running CentOS 7, our team of experts is at your disposal to provide advice and guide you to the solution that best meets your needs.
Note: If you have a non managed VPS server, you need to back up your data then contact us so that we can carry out this upgrade from our side