* [Topics](/en/topics "Topics") * [Linux](/en/topics/linux "Linux") * Why run Linux on IBM Cloud? Why run Linux on IBM Cloud? =========================== Updated February 24, 2025•*3*-minute read Copy URL Jump to section --------------- OverviewWhat is it?IBM Cloud Linux benefits Red Hat Enterprise Linux in the cloudWhy Red Hat Enterprise Linux on IBM Cloud?Get started Overview -------- Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® on IBM Cloud provides enterprises with a robust and scalable environment—built with security in mind—tailored for critical workloads. Organizations unlock access to high availability, disaster recovery, and streamlined management capabilities by joining the Red Hat Enterprise Linux platform with IBM Cloud's infrastructure. This cohesive solution paves the way for businesses to modernize their applications and implement flexible hybrid cloud strategies. Discover why running Red Hat Enterprise Linux on IBM Cloud empowers enterprises to transform their IT and innovate. [Complement IBM Z and LinuxONE with Red Hat Enterprise Linux](/en/resources/ibmz-linuxone-add-on-datasheet) What is Linux on IBM Cloud? --------------------------- [Linux](/en/topics/linux) on IBM Cloud refers to deploying and operating Linux or Linux-based [containers](/en/topics/containers) on [virtual machines](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-a-virtual-machine) or bare-metal servers on IBM's [cloud infrastructure](/en/topics/cloud-computing/what-is-cloud-infrastructure). Enterprise Linux is far more than just software and support. With Red Hat Enterprise Linux and [OpenShift](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift), we include unique [managed services](/en/topics/cloud-computing/what-are-managed-it-services), developer resources, operations tools, and access to an extensive partner ecosystem, stringent security certifications, and new technologies. Community-based [Linux distributions](/en/topics/linux/whats-the-best-linux-distro-for-you) often don’t meet those standards. Red Hat resources ----------------- [Keep reading](/en/resources "Keep reading") The benefits of running Linux on IBM Cloud ------------------------------------------ IBM is known for enterprise-level security and stability, and combining this with the Linux operating system results in stable environments that work alongside security solutions. ### Hybrid cloud experience IBM's solutions support [hybrid](/en/topics/cloud-computing/what-is-hybrid-cloud) and [multicloud](/en/topics/cloud-computing/what-is-multicloud) architectures. The cloud services are compatible with [Kubernetes](/en/topics/containers/what-is-kubernetes) services, which can be managed through a single interface. Central to this are IBM Cloud Paks, a modular set of integrated software components for data analysis, organization, and management. This AI-powered software is designed to accelerate application modernization with preintegrated data, automation, and security capabilities. IBM Cloud Paks are built to work with Red Hat OpenShift®. ### Deployment flexibility Flexible deployment options are  a benefit of any hybrid cloud infrastructure. When running Linux on IBM Cloud along with a [container solution](/en/topics/containers), developers can deploy on-premise and to the cloud to take advantage of any environment for their business needs. ### High availability Running Linux on IBM Cloud ensures [high availability](/en/topics/linux/what-is-high-availability) through redundant infrastructure, automated failover, and scalable deployments. Features like auto-scaling, load balancing, and container orchestration distribute traffic efficiently, while AI-powered monitoring helps prevent failures. ### Disaster recovery IBM Cloud features several options and systems for disaster recovery and backup solutions, ensuring continuous uptime and data protection. ### Streamlined infrastructure management IBM Cloud streamlines [infrastructure management](/en/topics/automation/virtual-infrastructure-management) through automation, centralized control, and AI-driven insights. A unified dashboard provides monitoring and management of resources to reduce the complexity of multiple systems. You can also automate provisioning, scaling, and updating. ### Security In the IBM Cloud, AI-powered analytics optimize performance and detect issues proactively. You also have access to integrated security and compliance features, which help simplify governance and ensure efficient management of workloads across hybrid and multicloud environments. ### AI Capabilities IBM Cloud both allows deployment of the watsonx generative AI tools to assist machine learning applications and provides AI-ready infrastructure to help manage AI workloads in the cloud. Why choose Red Hat Enterprise Linux for the cloud? -------------------------------------------------- [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](/en/technologies/linux-platforms/enterprise-linux) is a leading choice for enterprise Linux and is certified on hundreds of clouds—like IBM Cloud—and with thousands of hardware and software vendors. Red Hat Enterprise Linux gives you a consistent, stable, high-performance platform across [hybrid cloud](/en/topics/cloud-computing/what-is-hybrid-cloud) deployments, built-in [manageability](/node/254961), and [integration](/en/topics/integration) with the broader Red Hat management and automation portfolio. Every cloud environment has its own needs, requiring a stable yet adaptable system. Red Hat Enterprise Linux provides this balance with [open source](/en/about/open-source) flexibility and a wide range of certifications from public cloud providers such as IBM Cloud. Red Hat Enterprise Linux has: * **An extensive partner ecosystem.**[Red Hat's partner ecosystem](/en/partners) is a robust network of technology and service providers that collaborates to deliver integrated, certified solutions for diverse computing environments. * **Built-in manageability.** Red Hat Enterprise Linux integrates with [Red Hat's management and automation tools](/en/hybrid-cloud-solutions/automation) to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and simplify complex tasks. * **Stability, security, and scalability.** Red Hat Enterprise Linux is chosen for critical applications due to its compatibility with security solutions, [high availability](/en/topics/linux/what-is-high-availability), and scalable architecture—all backed by comprehensive support and certifications. * **24x7 Support.** Red Hat Enterprise Linux also comes with 24x7 support. * **Open-source innovation.** Red Hat is one of the leading contributors to the [Linux kernel](/en/topics/linux/what-is-the-linux-kernel) and associated technologies in the greater open-source community and has been since the beginning. Why choose Red Hat Enterprise Linux on IBM Cloud? ------------------------------------------------- Red Hat Enterprise Linux and IBM Cloud solutions are designed to work together. Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a premium solution optimized for critical workloads. Bringing the power of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and IBM Cloud’s infrastructure, it offers resiliency, scalability, and security. Standard features include [extended lifecycle](/en/resources/els-datasheet), high availability, robust security, compliance analytics, and flexible guest deployment—all essential for running critical tasks. Collaborating on technology efforts, both Red Hat and IBM work to enhance each other's offerings. * Red Hat Enterprise Linux is endorsed as a central Linux distribution on all major architectures. * IBM PowerAI is deeply integrated with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. * IBM middleware is designed to remove barriers between IBM services and Red Hat solutions. * IBM’s Cloud Private service is integrated with Red Hat OpenShift to help set up hybrid cloud environments. Get started with Red Hat Enterprise Linux on IBM Cloud ------------------------------------------------------ Considering IBM Cloud for your Linux setup? Learn about the dynamics between IBM Cloud and Linux, particularly with enterprise-grade solutions. Delve into the IBM and Red Hat partnership. [Try Red Hat Enterprise Linux for free](/en/technologies/linux-platforms/enterprise-linux) The official Red Hat blog ------------------------- Get the latest information about our ecosystem of customers, partners, and communities. [Keep reading](/en/blog "The official Red Hat blog") All Red Hat product trials -------------------------- Our no-cost product trials help you gain hands-on experience, prepare for a certification, or assess if a product is right for your organization. [Keep reading](/en/products/trials "All Red Hat product trials") Keep reading ------------ ### What is an image builder? An image builder is a tool used to create a copy of a virtual system or configuration that can then be used as a base from which developers can build and deploy these systems on other machines or platforms. [Read the article](/en/topics/linux/what-is-an-image-builder "article | What is an image builder?") ### Why choose Red Hat for Linux? Workloads need to be portable and scalable across environments. Red Hat Enterprise Linux is your consistent, stable foundation across hybrid cloud deployments. [Read the article](/en/topics/linux/why-choose-red-hat-enterprise-linux "article | why choose red hat for linux?") ### What is Linux? Linux is an open source operating system made up of the kernel, the base component of the OS, and the tools, applications, and services bundled with it. [Read the article](/en/topics/linux/what-is-linux "article | what is linux?") Linux resources --------------- ### Featured product * #### [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](/en/technologies/linux-platforms/enterprise-linux) A stable, high-performance Linux platform with built-in security and management features to help you run critical workloads anywhere in the hybrid cloud. 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