Overview

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a premier, open-source Linux distribution developed by Red Hat, Inc., offering a robust and secure foundation for diverse computing environments. It provides unparalleled flexibility and stability, ensuring a consistent and high-performance experience for deploying critical applications and workloads across various platforms, including physical, virtual, private cloud, public cloud, and edge deployments.

RHEL on Azure Virtual Machines

RHEL on Azure Virtual Machines enhances performance, strengthens security, and improves container support. It also comes with updated development tools, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of enterprise needs. RHEL’s comprehensive capabilities extend to supporting and powering advanced software and technologies for automation, cloud-native development, containers, middleware, storage solutions, application development, microservices architectures, virtualization, and comprehensive IT management.

By combining the reliability and security inherent in a leading commercial Linux distribution with the flexibility and innovation of open-source communities, RHEL empowers businesses to build and scale their operations effectively on Azure.

What’s New in RHEL 8.6

🔐 Security & Risk Mitigation

• Smart Card Authentication: Web console support for Sudo and SSH using smart card credentials.
• SELinux-Enabled SAP HANA Support: Joint Red Hat & SAP configuration with improved security through process isolation.
• Enhanced SAP Security: New best practices using SELinux and NBDE to protect data and reduce attack surface.

⚙️ Automation & System Management

• Stratis Storage Support (Tech Preview): Manage storage pools and filesystems via web console.
• PCI & USB Passthrough via Web Console: Pass host devices to virtual machines easily.
• HA Cluster System Role: Automated setup of High Availability clusters using best practices.
• Web Console System Role: Automate installation and configuration of RHEL web console.
• Firewall System Role: Automate firewall configuration management.
• SAP Day-1 Automation: Ansible collections for automated SAP HANA setup and configuration.

🌐 Edge Computing Enhancements

• Edge Management: Central interface for zero-touch provisioning, system health monitoring, and quick remediations.
• Simplified Edge Installer: Easier deployment of remote systems with better security.
• Edge Onboarding via FDO: Automates post-provisioning and device onboarding.
• Default Health Checks: OS update validation and automatic rollback on failure.