Why Enterprises Are Migrating to RHEL 10 in 2025

Table of Contents

• Why RHEL 10 Matters for Enterprises
• Key Features of RHEL 10 Driving Migration
• RHEL 10 vs. RHEL 9 Comparison
• Business Benefits of Migrating
• Migration Strategies and Best Practices
• Challenges and How to Overcome Them
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why RHEL 10 Matters for Enterprises

RHEL 10 is more than just an upgrade; it’s a strategic platform for enterprises aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Released in May 2025, RHEL 10 builds on the rock-solid foundation of RHEL 9 with innovations tailored for modern workloads. Enterprises are migrating to leverage its advanced security, AI-driven optimizations, and extended support until May 2030. Whether running data centers, cloud environments, or hybrid setups, RHEL 10 offers the stability and scalability businesses need. Its focus on automation and containerization also aligns with the growing demand for DevOps and cloud-native solutions, making it a top choice for 2025.

Key Features of RHEL 10 Driving Migration

RHEL 10 introduces features that address enterprise needs for security, performance, and efficiency. Here’s why these stand out:

• Linux Kernel 6.12: Offers improved hardware support, better performance for high-demand applications, and enhanced virtualization capabilities.
• Lightspeed AI: An AI-driven toolset for system optimization, predictive maintenance, and automated troubleshooting, reducing IT overhead.
• Post-Quantum Cryptography: FIPS-compliant security to protect data against future quantum computing threats, critical for regulated industries.
• Wayland Only Display System: Replaces X11 for improved graphical performance and security in desktop and remote environments.
• Enhanced Podman: Advanced container management with rootless containers, ideal for secure and scalable cloud deployments.
• Ansible Automation: Streamlined automation for managing complex, multi-node environments, boosting operational efficiency.
• Extended Support: Full support until May 2030, ensuring long-term reliability for enterprise systems.

These features make RHEL 10 a future-proof platform for enterprises seeking innovation without compromising stability.

RHEL 10 vs. RHEL 9 Comparison

To understand why enterprises are upgrading, let’s compare RHEL 10 with RHEL 9 across key areas.

Business Benefits of Migrating

Enterprises are migrating to RHEL 10 for tangible benefits that align with business goals. Here’s why:

• Enhanced Security: Post-quantum cryptography and advanced SELinux policies ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, critical for industries like finance and healthcare.
• Improved Performance: The Linux 6.12 kernel optimizes resource usage, reducing latency for databases, virtualization, and cloud workloads.
• Cost Efficiency: Lightspeed AI and Ansible automation reduce manual IT tasks, lowering operational costs.
• Scalability: RHEL 10’s container tools (Podman) and image mode support seamless scaling for cloud-native applications.
• Future-Proofing: Extended support until 2030 protects investments in infrastructure and training.
• Vendor Support: Red Hat’s 24/7 support and Red Hat Insights provide proactive monitoring, minimizing downtime.
• Developer Productivity: Tools like Python 3.12 and Podman streamline development, accelerating application delivery.

These benefits translate to higher reliability, lower costs, and a competitive edge for enterprises.

Migration Strategies and Best Practices

Migrating to RHEL 10 requires careful planning to avoid disruptions. Here are key strategies and best practices:

• Assess Current Systems: Inventory hardware, applications, and configurations to ensure compatibility with RHEL 10. Use Red Hat’s compatibility tools.
• Choose Upgrade Method: Opt for an in-place upgrade using LEAPP (leapp upgrade) to preserve settings, or a clean install for a fresh start.
• Back Up Data: Create full backups of critical data and configurations using rsync or tar to external or cloud storage.
• Test in a Lab: Perform a trial migration in a virtual machine (e.g., KVM or VirtualBox) to identify potential issues.
• Use LEAPP for In-Place Upgrades: Run leapp preupgrade to generate a report and resolve issues before upgrading.
• Train Staff: Upskill teams with RHEL 10 training (e.g., RHCSA, RHCE) to handle new features like Lightspeed AI and Podman.
• Plan Downtime: Schedule upgrades during low-traffic periods to minimize impact on operations.
• Leverage Red Hat Support: Use Red Hat’s documentation and support for guidance during migration.

A phased approach—starting with non-critical systems—helps mitigate risks and ensures a smooth transition.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Migration comes with challenges, but proactive steps can address them:

• Compatibility Issues: Some RHEL 9 applications or drivers may not work with RHEL 10. Solution: Check Red Hat’s compatibility database and update software before upgrading.
• Downtime: Upgrades can disrupt services. Solution: Schedule migrations during maintenance windows and use high-availability setups.
• Learning Curve: New features like Lightspeed AI require training. Solution: Enroll in Red Hat’s RH294 course or use free resources like docs.redhat.com.
• Cost of Subscriptions: RHEL 10 requires a paid subscription. Solution: Use the Red Hat Developer Program for non-production systems to reduce costs.
• SELinux Adjustments: Upgraded SELinux policies may cause issues. Solution: Test in permissive mode (setenforce 0) and use audit2allow to fix policies.
• Data Loss Risk: Upgrade failures can corrupt data. Solution: Maintain verified backups and test restoration processes.

By anticipating these challenges, enterprises can ensure a seamless migration to RHEL 10.

Conclusion

In 2025, enterprises are flocking to RHEL 10 for its powerful features, robust security, and long-term support. With Linux kernel 6.12, Lightspeed AI, and post-quantum cryptography, RHEL 10 empowers businesses to optimize performance, enhance security, and streamline operations. The migration offers clear benefits—cost savings through automation, scalability for cloud environments, and compliance for regulated industries. By following best practices like thorough planning, testing in a lab, and leveraging tools like LEAPP, enterprises can upgrade with confidence. Whether you’re running servers, cloud workloads, or AI-driven applications, RHEL 10 is a future-proof choice. Start planning your migration today and join the wave of enterprises embracing RHEL 10 in 2025!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are enterprises migrating to RHEL 10?

RHEL 10 offers advanced features like Lightspeed AI, post-quantum cryptography, and support until 2030, ideal for enterprise needs.

What is Lightspeed AI in RHEL 10?

Lightspeed AI is an AI-driven toolset for system optimization, predictive maintenance, and automated troubleshooting.

How does RHEL 10 differ from RHEL 9?

RHEL 10 has a newer kernel (6.12), post-quantum crypto, Wayland-only display, and extended support until 2030.

What is post-quantum cryptography?

It’s a FIPS-compliant security feature in RHEL 10 to protect data against future quantum computing attacks.

Is RHEL 10 free for enterprises?

RHEL 10 requires a paid subscription for production use, but the Red Hat Developer Program offers free access for non-production systems.

What is the LEAPP utility?

LEAPP is a Red Hat tool for in-place upgrades from RHEL 9 to RHEL 10, preserving data and settings.

How long is RHEL 10 supported?

RHEL 10 is fully supported until May 2030.

Can RHEL 10 run containers?

Yes, RHEL 10 uses Podman for secure, rootless container management, ideal for cloud-native applications.

What industries benefit most from RHEL 10?

Finance, healthcare, and government benefit due to RHEL 10’s security and compliance features.

How does RHEL 10 improve performance?

The Linux 6.12 kernel and Lightspeed AI optimize resource usage for databases, virtualization, and cloud workloads.

What is the cost of migrating to RHEL 10?

Costs include subscriptions ($350/year and up) and potential training or downtime expenses.

Can I test RHEL 10 before migrating?

Yes, use a virtual machine with the Red Hat Developer Program to test RHEL 10 in a non-production environment.

How do I handle compatibility issues during migration?

Check Red Hat’s compatibility database and run leapp preupgrade to identify and resolve issues.

Does RHEL 10 support desktop environments?

Yes, but it uses Wayland only, replacing X11 for better graphical performance and security.

How does Ansible help with RHEL 10?

Ansible automates system configuration, service management, and application deployment, reducing IT workload.

What are the risks of migrating to RHEL 10?

Risks include compatibility issues, downtime, and data loss, mitigated by backups and testing.

How do I train staff for RHEL 10?

Enroll in Red Hat’s RHCSA and RHCE courses or use free resources like docs.redhat.com.

Can RHEL 10 run in the cloud?

Yes, RHEL 10 is optimized for cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

How do I troubleshoot SELinux issues in RHEL 10?

Use audit2allow and check logs in /var/log/audit/audit.log to fix SELinux policy issues.

Where can I find more resources on RHEL 10?

Visit docs.redhat.com, Red Hat’s customer portal, or forums like r/redhat on Reddit.