Upgrading RHEL 7: Debunking common misconceptions

If you’re running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7, you’re missing out on the latest features and capabilities and, unless you’ve got Extended Life Support (ELS), you’re lacking the support and stability you need to protect your critical workloads. For users of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 7, the idea of moving to a newer version like RHEL 8 or RHEL 9 is often clouded by misconceptions and concerns. This article debunks common myths around upgrading RHEL 7, helping decision-makers understand the realities and benefits of upgrading.

Myth 1: “RHEL 7 is still fine. No need to upgrade.”

While it’s true that RHEL 7 has been a reliable workhorse for years, now that its reached EOL, running on RHEL 7 exposes your organisation to security threats.  Moreover, as technology evolves, software and applications built for newer versions of RHEL may not be fully compatible with older versions, limiting innovation and competitiveness.

Reality: Continuing with RHEL 7 beyond its support window means increased security risks, limited software compatibility, and potential future headaches that could be avoided by upgrading.

Myth 2: “Upgrading will be too expensive and time-consuming.”

IT teams often worry about the cost and effort of upgrading an OS, fearing downtime and disruptions. But the true risk lies in a security breach—its costs and business impact far exceed those of a timely upgrade, which doesn’t have to be costly or complex.

Reality:  With proper planning, RHEL’s excellent documentation, RHEL free tools such as LEAPP, and the help of experienced consultants, an upgrade can be executed efficiently with minimal disruption. Plus, businesses save costs long-term by avoiding expensive support for outdated systems and potential cybersecurity risks.

Myth 3: “We’ll lose customisations and performance tweaks.”

Many organisations running RHEL 7 have heavily customised their systems to suit specific business needs. There’s a belief that upgrading will wipe out these configurations, or worse, that the new version won’t perform as well as the current setup.

Reality: Upgrading to a newer version of RHEL doesn’t necessarily mean starting from scratch. Red Hat provides extensive documentation, tools, and support to ensure customisations and performance optimisations are carried over. With the right expertise, your customisations can be preserved, and performance improved with the advanced capabilities and optimisations of the newer RHEL versions.

The path forward: embracing the upgrade

Now that we’ve debunked the myths, it is time to plan your upgrade.  Our Red Hat Solution Services ensure seamless transitions with minimal disruption.  Whether upgrading to RHEL 8 or 9 or exploring hybrid and cloud environments, we tailor solutions to your needs. Reach out to us today for a smooth, secure, and strategic upgrade.

Eileen O’Mahony
General Manager, WM Promus