RHEL 10 for Cloud Computing | AWS, Azure, and GCP
In 2025, cloud computing is the backbone of modern enterprise IT, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 10, released in May 2025, is a powerhouse for running workloads on leading cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). With its Linux 6.12 kernel, Lightspeed AI, and enhanced container tools, RHEL 10 is built for scalability, security, and performance in the cloud. Whether you’re a system administrator, a developer, or an IT decision-maker, this guide explores how RHEL 10 shines on AWS, Azure, and GCP. From deployment steps to key features, we’ll walk you through why RHEL 10 is a top choice for cloud computing. Let’s get started and see how RHEL 10 can elevate your cloud strategy!
Table of Contents
- Why RHEL 10 for Cloud Computing?
- Key RHEL 10 Features for Cloud
- RHEL 10 on AWS, Azure, and GCP
- Deploying RHEL 10 on Cloud Platforms
- Best Practices for RHEL 10 in the Cloud
- Challenges and Solutions
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why RHEL 10 for Cloud Computing?
RHEL 10 is optimized for cloud environments, offering enterprises a reliable and secure operating system for AWS, Azure, and GCP. Its robust features align perfectly with the demands of cloud computing, such as scalability, automation, and compliance. Enterprises choose RHEL 10 for its consistency across hybrid and multi-cloud setups, allowing seamless integration between on-premises and cloud environments. With Red Hat’s extensive support and certifications for major cloud providers, RHEL 10 ensures stability and performance, making it ideal for web hosting, AI workloads, databases, and containerized applications. Its pay-as-you-go model through Red Hat Cloud Access also simplifies licensing costs in the cloud.
Key RHEL 10 Features for Cloud
RHEL 10 brings a suite of features tailored for cloud deployments, enhancing performance and security. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Linux Kernel 6.12: Improves compute-intensive workloads, virtualization, and networking, critical for cloud performance.
- Lightspeed AI: AI-driven tools for system optimization, predictive maintenance, and automated scaling in cloud environments.
- Post-Quantum Cryptography: FIPS-compliant security to protect sensitive cloud data against future quantum threats.
- Podman 5.0: Enhanced rootless container management for secure and scalable containerized applications.
- Ansible Automation: Simplifies configuration and management of cloud resources across AWS, Azure, and GCP.
- Image Mode: Enables immutable OS images for consistent deployments, ideal for cloud-native workloads.
- Wayland Only: Replaces X11 for secure and efficient graphical applications in cloud-hosted desktops.
- Extended Support: Full support until May 2030, ensuring long-term reliability for cloud deployments.
These features make RHEL 10 a versatile choice for cloud computing, supporting diverse workloads from AI to enterprise applications.
RHEL 10 on AWS, Azure, and GCP
Each cloud provider offers unique strengths for running RHEL 10. The table below compares key aspects of deploying RHEL 10 on AWS, Azure, and GCP.
| Feature | AWS | Azure | GCP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Compute Service | EC2 Instances | Virtual Machines | Compute Engine |
| RHEL 10 Image Availability | AWS Marketplace | Azure Marketplace | GCP Marketplace |
| Hybrid Integration | AWS Outposts | Azure Arc | Anthos |
| Container Service | EKS, ECS | AKS | GKE |
| AI/ML Support | SageMaker | Azure Machine Learning | Vertex AI |
| Storage Options | S3, EBS | Blob Storage, Azure Disks | Cloud Storage, Persistent Disk |
| Cost Model | Pay-as-you-go, Reserved Instances | Pay-as-you-go, Azure Hybrid Benefit | Pay-as-you-go, Committed Use Discounts |
This comparison highlights how RHEL 10 integrates with each provider’s ecosystem, offering flexibility for diverse workloads.
Deploying RHEL 10 on Cloud Platforms
Deploying RHEL 10 on AWS, Azure, or GCP is straightforward with their respective marketplaces. Below are the general steps for each platform, assuming an active Red Hat subscription.
- AWS (EC2 Instances):
- Log in to the AWS Management Console.
- Navigate to the AWS Marketplace and search for “RHEL 10.”
- Select a RHEL 10 AMI (Amazon Machine Image) and configure instance type (e.g., t3.medium).
- Set up security groups, key pairs, and storage (EBS).
- Launch the instance and connect via SSH:
ssh -i key.pem ec2-user@instance-ip. - Verify RHEL 10:
cat /etc/redhat-release.
- Azure (Virtual Machines):
- Access the Azure Portal and go to the Azure Marketplace.
- Search for “Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10” and select an image.
- Configure VM settings (size, region, disks) and enable Azure Hybrid Benefit for cost savings.
- Deploy the VM and connect via SSH or Azure Bastion.
- Install Hyper-V drivers if needed:
lsinitrd | grep hv. - Confirm RHEL 10 version:
cat /etc/redhat-release.
- GCP (Compute Engine):
- Go to the Google Cloud Console and navigate to the GCP Marketplace.
- Find “RHEL 10” and select a machine image.
- Choose a machine type (e.g., e2-standard-2) and configure disks.
- Deploy the VM and connect via SSH using the GCP Console.
- Verify the deployment:
cat /etc/redhat-release.
For all platforms, ensure your Red Hat subscription is linked via Red Hat Cloud Access for updates and support.
[](https://access.redhat.com/documentation/en-us/red_hat_enterprise_linux/9/html-single/deploying_red_hat_enterprise_linux_9_on_public_cloud_platforms/index)
Best Practices for RHEL 10 in the Cloud
To maximize RHEL 10’s potential in the cloud, follow these best practices:
- Optimize Costs: Use pay-as-you-go or reserved instances (AWS), Azure Hybrid Benefit, or GCP’s Committed Use Discounts to reduce costs.
- Automate with Ansible: Use Ansible playbooks to automate RHEL 10 configuration and scaling across cloud environments.
- Leverage Containers: Deploy containerized apps with Podman and integrate with EKS (AWS), AKS (Azure), or GKE (GCP).
- Enable Lightspeed AI: Configure Lightspeed AI for automated scaling and monitoring of cloud resources.
- Secure with SELinux: Keep SELinux in enforcing mode and use
audit2allowto resolve policy issues. - Monitor Performance: Use Red Hat Insights or cloud-native tools like AWS CloudWatch, Azure Monitor, or GCP’s Operations Suite.
- Backup Regularly: Use cloud-native backup solutions (e.g., AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage, GCP Cloud Storage) for RHEL 10 data.
- Test Deployments: Test RHEL 10 images in a sandbox environment before production deployment.
These practices ensure reliability, security, and cost-efficiency for RHEL 10 in the cloud.
Challenges and Solutions
Running RHEL 10 in the cloud can present challenges, but they’re manageable with the right approach:
- Cost Management: Cloud costs can escalate. Solution: Use cost calculators (AWS Pricing Calculator, Azure Pricing, GCP Pricing) and Red Hat Cloud Access for predictable billing.
- Compatibility Issues: Some applications may need updates for RHEL 10. Solution: Test in a staging environment and check Red Hat’s compatibility database.
- Security Configuration: Misconfigured security groups or firewalls can expose systems. Solution: Follow Red Hat’s security guidelines and cloud provider best practices.
- Learning Curve: New features like Lightspeed AI require training. Solution: Use Red Hat’s RH294 course or docs.redhat.com.
- Performance Tuning: Cloud instances may underperform without optimization. Solution: Use Lightspeed AI and cloud-native scaling tools (e.g., AWS Auto Scaling, Azure VM Scale Sets, GCP Managed Instance Groups).
Conclusion
RHEL 10 is a game-changer for cloud computing on AWS, Azure, and GCP, offering unmatched security, scalability, and automation for enterprise workloads. Its Linux 6.12 kernel, Lightspeed AI, and Podman 5.0 make it ideal for modern applications, from AI-driven analytics to containerized microservices. By leveraging Red Hat Cloud Access, enterprises can deploy RHEL 10 seamlessly across major cloud providers while keeping costs in check. With proper planning, automation, and best practices, RHEL 10 empowers businesses to build robust, secure, and efficient cloud environments. Whether you’re hosting web apps, running databases, or exploring AI, RHEL 10 on AWS, Azure, or GCP is your ticket to a future-proof cloud strategy. Start exploring RHEL 10 today and unlock its full potential in the cloud!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use RHEL 10 for cloud computing?
RHEL 10 offers security, scalability, and features like Lightspeed AI and Podman, optimized for AWS, Azure, and GCP.
What is Red Hat Cloud Access?
It’s a program that lets you use Red Hat subscriptions on certified cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and GCP.
Can RHEL 10 run containers in the cloud?
Yes, RHEL 10’s Podman 5.0 supports secure, rootless containers on EKS (AWS), AKS (Azure), and GKE (GCP).
How do I deploy RHEL 10 on AWS?
Use the AWS Marketplace to select a RHEL 10 AMI, configure an EC2 instance, and launch it with your Red Hat subscription.
Does RHEL 10 support AI workloads in the cloud?
Yes, Lightspeed AI and integration with SageMaker (AWS), Azure Machine Learning, and Vertex AI (GCP) support AI workloads.
What is the Linux 6.12 kernel in RHEL 10?
It’s an updated kernel improving performance, virtualization, and networking for cloud workloads.
Is RHEL 10 free on cloud platforms?
No, it requires a Red Hat subscription, but Red Hat Cloud Access simplifies licensing on AWS, Azure, and GCP.
How does RHEL 10 ensure cloud security?
It uses post-quantum cryptography, SELinux, and cloud-native security tools to protect data and workloads.
Can I use RHEL 10 with Azure Hybrid Benefit?
Yes, Azure Hybrid Benefit applies to RHEL 10, reducing costs for existing Red Hat subscriptions.
[](https://www.prosperops.com/blog/aws-vs-azure-vs-google-cloud-discounts-pricing/)
What is Lightspeed AI in RHEL 10?
It’s an AI-driven toolset for system optimization, scaling, and troubleshooting in cloud environments.
How do I deploy RHEL 10 on GCP?
Select a RHEL 10 image from the GCP Marketplace, configure a Compute Engine VM, and deploy with your subscription.
Does RHEL 10 support Kubernetes?
Yes, it integrates with EKS (AWS), AKS (Azure), and GKE (GCP) for Kubernetes-based container orchestration.
How long is RHEL 10 supported in the cloud?
RHEL 10 is fully supported until May 2030 across all major cloud platforms.
Can I automate RHEL 10 deployments?
Yes, use Ansible playbooks to automate configuration and management on AWS, Azure, and GCP.
How do I optimize RHEL 10 cloud costs?
Use reserved instances, Azure Hybrid Benefit, or GCP’s Committed Use Discounts, and monitor with Red Hat Insights.
What storage options work with RHEL 10?
RHEL 10 supports AWS S3/EBS, Azure Blob Storage/Disks, and GCP Cloud Storage/Persistent Disk.
How do I troubleshoot RHEL 10 in the cloud?
Use Lightspeed AI, cloud-native monitoring (CloudWatch, Azure Monitor, GCP Operations), and /var/log.
Can RHEL 10 run hybrid cloud setups?
Yes, it integrates with AWS Outposts, Azure Arc, and GCP Anthos for hybrid cloud deployments.
Does RHEL 10 support cloud-native apps?
Yes, its image mode and Podman support cloud-native, containerized applications across all three platforms.
Where can I learn more about RHEL 10 in the cloud?
Check docs.redhat.com, Red Hat’s Customer Portal, or forums like r/redhat on Reddit.
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