Linux is no longer an operating system limited to developers and individual users. As various Linux distributions continue to emerge regularly, thousands of new Linux users are mushrooming globally, finding ever-increasing use and purpose within the community.

The latest to join the Linux bandwagon are enterprises seeking different stable and secure distributions to enhance their production cycles. Rest assured, with Linux by your side, you can always expect regular updates, top-notch security, and helpful functionality.

Here are some of the best Linux distributions for enterprises and businesses.

1. Ubuntu Server

Ubuntu server 22.04 desktop interface

Ubuntu’s popularity knows no bounds, as it is one of the easiest Linux distributions to use in the market. With its simplicity, ease of use, and multi-functional features, it continues to reign over other Linux distros.

Ubuntu works with any hardware or virtualization platform, making it ideal for websites, sharing files, and enhancing your cloud presence with data support.

Ubuntu Server rules the cloud with its cost-effective server solutions for users, individuals, and organizations alike.

Ubuntu Server is compatible with different architectures, such as:

  • x86
  • x86-64
  • ARM v7
  • ARM64
  • POWER8
  • IBM System Z mainframes

As a small business, you can quickly deploy Ubuntu Server to manage your files and web servers. As an enterprise, you can scale up quickly and purchase Canonical’s native enterprise-grade support by paying a subscription amount.

Download: Ubuntu Server (Paid options available)

2. openSUSE Leap

openSUSE Leap startup box on a desktop background

openSUSE offers two versions under its umbrella: Tumbleweed and Leap. While Tumbleweed is not an enterprise version, the latter is considered an enterprise-ready Linux distro and provides a stable release every few years.

Leap’s latest release is 15.4, with GNOME 41 and kernel version 5.14. You can choose from a few different desktop environments, including KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce, a generic desktop, a server, and a transactional server.

Each option uses a different set of functions so it's easy to choose the one closest to your requirements.

Some notable, thought-worthy features of openSUSE include:

  • Stability and fast performance
  • Excellent theming
  • Improved package management
  • A concise, not-so-busy design approach

Download: openSUSE (Free to use)

3. AlmaLinux

Alma Linux desktop with open dialog boxes

AlmaLinux is a community-owned free enterprise Linux distro that focuses on providing long-term stability and runs on RHEL and pre-stream CentOS. Despite being an enterprise Linux distribution, it comes with regular releases, so you will always get timely updates for your machine.

AlmaLinux 9.2’s beta version, “Turquoise Kodkod,” is the latest as of this writing, and supports four different architectures, namely:

  • Intel/AMD (x86_64)
  • IBM PowerPC (ppc64le)
  • ARM64 (aarch64)
  • IBM Z (s390x)

Since it’s a beta version, you should not rely on it in a production environment.

Created by CloudLinux, AlmaLinux ranks high on security standards. It comes with OpenSCAP (Open Security Content Automation Protocol), which you can use to check your system for vulnerabilities and configure your system's security for the best results.

Download: AlmaLinux (Free to use)

4. Fedora Server

Fedora server Xfce desktop with applications

Fedora Server is well-known for providing a stable and flexible server for developers, individuals, and organizations. It incorporates the latest technology, and you can get your hands on the latest updates regularly.

The latest updates include some of the newest system applications, ideal for empowering businesses to adapt their server based on the market trend.

Some prominent features of Fedora Server include:

  • Uncompromising security: Fedora’s enterprise-grade security standards and pre-configured releases offer tight security, allowing you to work seamlessly with top-notch data protection
  • Updated sysadmin applications: Fedora server is known for its up-to-date, latest technology, visible in the applications and the series of tools available to system administrators
  • Excellent hardware solutions: Finally, you are free from any restrictions, which, combined with hardware compatibility and update kernel drivers, make it a server worth considering

Download: Fedora Server (Free to use)

5. Oracle Linux

Oracle Linux desktop view with open applications

As the name suggests, Oracle has created Oracle Linux, which derives power from Red Hat Enterprise Linux. To enhance usage and help users transition seamlessly from CentOS or RHEL to Oracle Linux, you can use pre-written Oracle scripts to get the best results.

Oracle Linux is a powerful, RHEL alternative, and it garners the attention of developers who want to make the most out of their Linux usage.

As a business, to reduce downtime, you can use live kernel updates, which you can purchase from Oracle for your distributions. While the OS is free, some features can aid developers in their development journey. For example, the lack of a licensing fee allows you to run the OS on multiple machines and servers.

Additional features include using the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel, which is the default kernel available with Oracle Linux. On the desktop side, you get the GNOME desktop environment by default, making the OS valuable and user-friendly.

Download: Oracle Linux (Paid subscriptions available)

6. Zentyal Linux Server

Zentyal’s name is associated with developing small business servers, including standalone and enterprise edition servers. The different server options under the Zentyal umbrella act as network gateways, unified threat managers, and office and communications servers.

Based on Ubuntu, Zentyal supports all MS Exchange protocols and unending Active Directory support, which you can use to join Microsoft clients to a domain. Other excellent features include:

  • Webmail
  • Multiple virtual mail domains
  • Web-based UI
  • Antivirus/anti-spam
  • Calendars and contacts sync
  • Multiple virtual mail domains

Both free and paid versions are available within Zentyal's list of servers.

Download: Zentyal Linux Server (Paid options available)

7. Rocky Linux

Rocky Linux desktop interface

When CentOS was discontinued, its users thronged to Rocky Linux. Rocky Linux also supports Red Hat Enterprise Linux's (RHEL) source code, making it one of the closest alternatives to CentOS.

Developed and marketed by the Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation, Rocky Linux receives regular updates and is enterprise-ready, offering stability and excellence on a platter.

Since the operating system is a downstream RHEL distribution, it has become an obvious choice readily compatible with enterprise servers.

The only plausible drawback is that Rocky Linux is still in its nascent development stage; its updates are slower and fewer than some of the other Linux distros in the market. Despite its shortcomings, its stability and features continue to make it a popular choice among developers.

Download: Rocky Linux (Free)

Top Enterprise Linux Servers to Make Your Life Easier

These Linux servers offer businesses the best possible features, from regular updates and security patches to top-notch functions.

Since most of them are based on the ever-famous Red Hat Enterprise Linux, you can always expect each of these Linux distributions/servers to be on top of their game. However, despite their functionality, RHEL systems can be confusing and challenging to install in the first instance.

If you have never used an RHEL system before, following some expert guidance is advisable to install the distribution easily.