oracle-linux-vs-red-hat-enterprise-linux-rhel

Oracle Linux and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) are both distributions of the Linux open-source operating system. Oracle Linux is a free distribution used mainly by small to mid level outfits with existing Oracle databases, while RHEL is favored by enterprise-level businesses that prioritize stability and uptime. 

Features

Though Oracle Linux and RHEL have similar uses, there are standout features of each. 

Oracle Linux comes pre-configured for Oracle database systems, so businesses who already use Oracle products will be happy with how well Oracle Linux integrates with their existing system. Users cite support as Oracle Linux’s biggest strength, as support is readily available and can help even with complicated issues. For those using multiple Oracle products, different support departments from each product can work together to solve difficult problems quickly. Security and bug fixes are another strength of the distribution, and installation is relatively simple. Oracle Linux is also compatible with many types of hardware.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a lighting-fast Linux distribution used mostly at the enterprise level. Users report replacing their entire Windows systems with RHEL and cutting their tech support requirements considerably, due to RHEL’s near-complete stability and unprecedented uptime. For those running servers that absolutely must stay up and running at all costs, RHEL is second to none. Security is top-notch as well, and security patches are released regularly. 

Limitations

Each of these products has its own set of limitations that may be considered when choosing between them.

Though Oracle Linux is stable and well supported, users report that the graphical interface for desktop users is lacking and could be improved. While it works well in an Oracle database environment, it can be difficult to configure and use alongside competing brands of software. Bug fixes and feature upgrades can take a long time to arrive, and Oracle Linux for cloud environments needs work 

In prioritizing its rock-hard stability, RHEL has acquired a reputation for sacrificing innovation. New features and upgrades that would keep it competitive with other Linux distributions are not a priority for RHEL, and it shows. It’s designed mostly for high-level systems, so it’s not very user friendly for the layperson or newbie. The cost of RHEL can add up over the years, especially at the higher pricing tiers with more robust support. And if you want to switch between RHEL products or pricing tiers, upgrade/downgrade policies can be overly complex. 

Pricing

Oracle Linux is free to download, use and share. Support can be purchased at various tiers: $1200 per year for basic support, and $2300 for premier support. Contact Oracle for lifetime support pricing. 

RHEL offers yearly pricing for the different versions of its operating systems. Prices range from $99 per year for a barebones, no-support dev environment to $10,000 per year for a fully-featured version with four-hour support response times.