Microsoft is transitioning LinkedIn’s infrastructure from CentOS to its in-house Azure Linux, marking a strategic shift. This move is not just operational—it’s a deeper alignment with Microsoft’s broader cloud and open-source goals. Since acquiring LinkedIn in 2016, Microsoft has integrated the platform into its ecosystem, but this change to Azure Linux shows a stronger commitment to using its own technologies.

Ievgen Priadka, a distinguished architect at LinkedIn, explains that the decision to adopt Azure Linux was driven by the need for more flexibility. By moving away from proprietary systems like VMware, LinkedIn gains the ability to customize and avoid vendor lock-in. Azure Linux offers an open-source, community-driven platform that LinkedIn can tailor to its needs. This transition aligns with Microsoft’s long-standing practice of using its own products to tackle internal challenges.

The migration has its challenges. LinkedIn’s team had to manage the complexities of migrating a vast infrastructure while ensuring performance. They developed tools to support Azure Linux, such as a repository of signed kernels and a container image repository, to integrate seamlessly with existing systems.

This move signals a broader trend within Microsoft. The company, once known for proprietary software, is embracing open-source solutions. By shifting LinkedIn to Azure Linux, Microsoft enhances its cloud offering and strengthens its position in the enterprise Linux market.

This migration is more than just a technical upgrade; it’s a statement of Microsoft’s future direction. As LinkedIn grows, its new foundation on Azure Linux will likely drive more innovation and efficiency across the Microsoft ecosystem.