AlmaLinux 10.2 ("Lavender Lion")

AlmaLinux OS is a community-driven, open-source Linux distribution created to fill the void left by the discontinuation of the CentOS Linux stable release. It is an enterprise-grade operating system, fully binary compatible with RHEL®, and developed under the guidance and collaboration of its user community.

AlmaLinux 10.2 is a reliable, production-ready enterprise Linux operating system designed for cloud, server, and hybrid infrastructure deployments. Built as a 1:1 binary-compatible alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 10.2, it delivers a familiar enterprise Linux experience with long-term stability, security, and broad application compatibility.

Optimized for modern cloud workloads, DevOps environments, and enterprise applications, AlmaLinux 10.2 provides enhanced flexibility through expanded hardware support, updated developer ecosystems, and improved virtualization capabilities.

Highlights and Capabilities

Flexible Storage with Native Btrfs Support

AlmaLinux 10.2 includes complete support for the Btrfs filesystem, enabling users to deploy systems with Btrfs-based storage layouts and boot directly from Btrfs volumes for advanced storage management scenarios.

Extended Compatibility with 32-bit Applications

Unlike the upstream RHEL platform, AlmaLinux continues to provide i686 user-space packages. This enables organizations to maintain and run legacy 32-bit applications, older software stacks, and container workloads while preserving compatibility for future deployments.

Broader Hardware Compatibility

In addition to supporting the RHEL 10 baseline based on x86_64-v3 architecture, AlmaLinux offers an x86_64-v2 build option to support older server hardware. Matching EPEL availability ensures access to a wider range of additional software packages.

Desktop, Virtualization, and Enterprise Workloads

AlmaLinux 10.2 expands workload flexibility with:

• GNOME 49 desktop environment support
• Enhanced KVM virtualization capabilities for IBM POWER platforms
• Restored SPICE support for server and client virtualization environments

Security and Reliability Improvements

The release includes the latest security updates and vulnerability fixes, providing a hardened operating environment designed for secure enterprise deployments and cloud workloads.

Ideal Use Cases

• Azure cloud servers and enterprise applications
• Web and database hosting
• CI/CD pipelines and DevOps platforms
• Container-based workloads
• Virtualized infrastructure
• Legacy application environments
• Development and testing environments

Deploy AlmaLinux 10.2 on Azure for a stable, secure, and enterprise-compatible Linux platform with enhanced flexibility beyond traditional RHEL-based distributions.

Disclaimer: This VM contains free, open-source software. We don’t provide commercial licenses for the products mentioned. Trademarks are for identification only and don’t imply endorsement or affiliation.

The AlmaLinux OS Marks are trademarks of the AlmaLinux OS Foundation.