High-performance, cost-effective, and future-proof infrastructure solutions are the non-negotiable reality of modern IT operations. One option for helping meet those goals is Oracle Linux for ARM. Like its x86_64 sibling, Oracle Linux for ARM offers the perfect blend of enterprise-grade features, cost savings, and modern development tools.
Cost efficiency and licensing advantages
One of the most significant drivers for adopting Oracle Linux on ARM is cost efficiency. ARM processors deliver a superior price-to-performance ratio compared to traditional x86 architectures.
When running Oracle Database on ARM with Oracle Linux, organisations can cut licensing and operational costs by up to 50%. These savings are realised through ARM’s high core density and efficient resource utilisation, which together reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) without compromising on enterprise-grade performance.
It is also free to download, use, and distribute, with no licensing fees for its core functionality. Organisations can scale their operations without worrying about escalating software costs.
Performance optimised for enterprise workloads
Like all other Oracle offerings, it is engineered to handle business-critical workloads with ease. It ensures predictable performance and linear scalability for transactional and analytical applications – including the Oracle Database. The reduced instruction set architecture (RISC) of ARM processors minimises power consumption, assisting businesses to reach their sustainability and energy efficiency goals.
The high core density of ARM CPUs also supports the demands of scalable microservices, AI and machine learning workloads, and containerised applications. Combined with Oracle Linux for ARM this architecture provides an excellent choice for organisations looking to modernise their infrastructure without sacrificing performance.
Enterprise-grade security and reliability
Oracle’s Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK), is optimised specifically for ARM, providing enhanced security, stability, and performance in cloud and hybrid environments. Ksplice technology enables zero-downtime patching, allowing kernel and user-space security updates to be applied without rebooting the host system. These two features ensure continuous uptime for mission-critical systems.
Oracle Linux for ARM also includes the OS Management Hub to automate patching and compliance across distributed environments. The Management Hub integrates seamlessly with Ksplice for streamlined security operations.
Developer agility and modern tooling
Oracle Linux for ARM supports multiple versions of popular programming languages and tools, enabling developers to adopt new frameworks and accelerate application development without disrupting legacy systems. The cloud developer image, preconfigured for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), includes Java SE, GraalVM, and OCI SDKs, allowing teams to deploy ARM-native environments in minutes.
As your organisation increases the adoption of containers and DevOps, Oracle Linux for ARM offers Podman for OCI-compliant containers and DTrace for real-time troubleshooting in production. This modern tooling empowers developers to innovate rapidly and efficiently.
Seamless hybrid and multi-cloud portability
As multi-cloud operations become the norm, consistency and portability are crucial. Oracle Linux for ARM is built from the same source as its x86 counterpart, ensuring a consistent operating system experience across architectures for users and administrators. This simplifies hybrid cloud strategies and reduces the complexity of application migration.
Integration with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure is seamless, with pre-installed utilities and region-specific yum mirrors that reduce deployment time and network costs. ARM instances can be dynamically scaled to match workload demands, and certification for third-party clouds like Azure ensures organisations avoid vendor lock-in. All of which helps to further contain operating spend without affecting operations or limiting potential.
Enterprise support and future-proofing
Linux for ARM is backed by Oracle’s global support network, providing 24×7 Premier Support for both on-premises and cloud deployments. For innovation and prototyping, a technology preview image is available for the Raspberry Pi, enabling development on ultra-low-cost hardware.
Oracle is also committed to building a robust ecosystem for the future. The Oracle Linux ISV Catalogue documents growing partnerships with independent software and hardware vendors, ensuring expanding compatibility and ongoing developments and improvements for customers.
Oracle Linux for ARM – a strategic choice
For CTOs, Oracle Linux for ARM is more than a technical decision – it’s a strategic move. Choosing Oracle Linux running on ARM architecture offers tangible cost reductions, faster innovation through modern tooling and risk mitigation with enterprise-grade security and support. Leveraging ARM’s efficiency and Oracle’s comprehensive ecosystem allows your organisation to future-proof infrastructure while maintaining the flexibility to operate across cloud, edge, and on-premises environments.
Oracle Linux for ARM is a powerful enabler for scalable, sustainable, and secure IT modernisation. To learn more about what it offers your business, please give us a call.