Rocky Linux 9 Generation 2 image

This is a minimal ready to use ProComputers packaged Rocky Linux 9 Generation 2 image, mainly used as a common base system on top of which other appliances could be built and tested. It contains just enough packages to run within Azure, bring up an SSH Server and allow users to login.

Generation 2 virtual machines (Gen2 VMs) use the new UEFI-based boot architecture instead of BIOS-based architecture and have a simplified virtual hardware model and improved boot and installation times.

Rocky Linux 9 - Stable, Secure, and Production-Ready RHEL Alternative for Azure

Rocky Linux 9 is a stable, secure, and open-source enterprise Linux distribution that is fully binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9. Designed for performance, cloud-native workloads, and long-term support, it is a robust CentOS replacement maintained by the Rocky Linux community. This image is fully optimized for Azure, featuring cloud-init support, rapid provisioning, and preconfigured security settings.

Key Features of Rocky Linux 9

Minimal base image with bug-for-bug compatibility with RHEL 9.
Cloud-init enabled for Azure automation and provisioning.
Optimized for fast boot times on Azure Managed Disks.
Secure by default: SELinux enforced, SSH hardened, minimal packages installed.
Accelerated Networking support for high-throughput, low-latency connections.

Benefits of Using Rocky Linux 9

Ideal for modern enterprise Linux workloads on Azure Virtual Machines.
Maintained by an active and transparent Rocky Linux open-source community.
Long-term security updates and stability for production environments.
Lightweight and efficient for development, testing, and production deployments.

Use Cases for Rocky Linux 9

Deploy scalable web servers with Apache, Nginx, PHP, or Python.
Run CMS platforms such as WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla.
Host e-commerce solutions including Magento or PrestaShop.
Launch production-ready databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB.
Power LAMP/LEMP stacks for custom application deployments.
Host static websites and dynamic apps with backend logic.
Build automated CI/CD pipelines using Ansible, Terraform, and Azure DevOps.
Deploy RESTful APIs and backend frameworks like Node.js or Django.

Conclusion

This Rocky Linux 9 Azure image provides a powerful, production-grade platform for deploying enterprise workloads in the Microsoft Azure cloud. Whether you are running modern web applications, high-performance databases, or automated DevOps pipelines, Rocky Linux 9 delivers optimized performance, long-term stability, and the security of a RHEL-compatible system.

Other minimal ready-to-use images:

If this Rocky Linux 9 image does not suit your needs, please choose another one from our popular image list below:

Why choose ProComputers?

With over 10 years of experience working with Microsoft Azure, ProComputers provides open-source software bundled together into solutions ready to be launched on-demand in the cloud.

Red Hat and CentOS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Red Hat or the CentOS Project.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

THIS PRODUCT IS PROVIDED AND LICENSED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Rocky Linux 9 Gen2

by ProComputers