Microsoft surprises with its first server Linux distribution: Azure Linux 4.0
4 hours ago
- #Linux
- #Microsoft Azure
- #Open Source
- Microsoft introduced its first general-purpose Linux distribution, Azure Linux 4.0, based on Fedora and optimized for server-side cloud use.
- Azure Linux split into Azure Container Linux (immutable container host) and Azure Linux VM edition, broadening accessibility beyond AKS users.
- Microsoft’s Linux adoption reflects its reliance on Linux for core services like Azure, Microsoft 365, and AI applications.
- Azure Linux 4.0 is open source, curated for Azure integration, and includes plans for WSL images for local development consistency.
- Microsoft commits to two years of support, monthly security patches, and automatic upgrade options, emphasizing supply chain security.
- The distro complements, rather than replaces, other endorsed Linux distributions on Azure, maintaining partnerships with vendors like Red Hat.