LinkedIn has made a significant change to its server infrastructure. The company has replaced CentOS with Azure Linux, Microsoft’s own Linux distribution, to power all its server needs. This move comes as CentOS 7 approaches its end-of-life, prompting LinkedIn to seek a more secure and modern operating system.
Why Azure Linux? #
Given that LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft, the decision to migrate to Azure Linux isn’t surprising. However, it’s notable that LinkedIn chose Azure Linux over alternatives like CentOS Stream, RHEL, or other Linux distributions. Azure Linux, previously known as CBL-Mariner, is widely used within Microsoft, particularly in the Azure cloud environment. It has become a cornerstone of Microsoft’s Linux strategy, and LinkedIn’s adoption further solidifies its importance.
Technical Details of the Migration #
LinkedIn’s engineering team recently shared an insightful blog post about their migration process. One of the key technical choices they made was the adoption of the XFS file system, despite its initial lack of native support in Azure Linux. After thorough testing, LinkedIn found that XFS with software RAID provided the best performance and reliability for their needs.
Interestingly, Azure Linux currently lacks a window manager or desktop environment. For developers, this means relying on IDE integration and remote connections to Azure Linux servers for their work. Alongside the server migration, LinkedIn also replaced their CentOS Developer Desktop VMs with Azure Linux Developer VMs, ensuring a consistent environment across both server and development operations.
Strategic Benefits and Future Outlook #
The LinkedIn engineering blog post highlighted several strategic benefits of the migration. These include significant cost savings, enhanced security, and greater flexibility. By switching to Azure Linux, LinkedIn aims to deliver new AI-powered features faster while maintaining a secure and reliable platform for its global user base.
LinkedIn’s migration to Azure Linux also underscores the power of open-source solutions. By embracing community-driven innovation, LinkedIn and Microsoft have unlocked new levels of efficiency, agility, and competitiveness. However, the migration required careful planning, comprehensive training, and ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition and maximize long-term value.
Conclusion #
LinkedIn’s shift from CentOS to Azure Linux marks a significant evolution in its server infrastructure. The move not only aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy but also ensures that LinkedIn remains at the cutting edge of technology. With this transition, LinkedIn has positioned itself to better serve its users and continue delivering innovative features at a rapid pace.
As LinkedIn continues to rely on Azure Linux for its server operations, the future of this Linux distribution looks increasingly secure. Microsoft’s commitment to Azure Linux is evident, and LinkedIn’s successful migration serves as a testament to the power and potential of this platform.
