RLC Pro

Rocky Linux from CIQ (RLC) is the enterprise distribution of Rocky Linux, built and maintained by CIQ. RLC transforms Rocky Linux from a community rebuild into a vendor-backed enterprise Linux platform with CIQ-built packages, integrated hardware support, validated supply chain, and commercial guarantees.

RLC is binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, validated through the ELValidated program from OpenELA. Applications, configurations, and workflows built for RHEL work on RLC without modification.

RLC is available in two tiers: RLC Pro and RLC+.

Product Tiers

RLC Pro

RLC Pro is the full enterprise tier of Rocky Linux from CIQ. It includes everything in RLC+ plus CIQ Pro repositories with enterprise enhancements, Long Term Support (LTS) access, FIPS 140-3 compliance, NVIDIA GPU driver support, and priority bug fixes.

RLC Pro is designed for organizations that need vendor accountability, hardware enablement, compliance capabilities, and indemnification beyond what community Rocky Linux provides.

Key capabilities:

• CIQ-built kernel across all deployment methods (cloud, on-prem, bootc)
• Pro repositories with CIQ enterprise enhancements and bug fixes
• Long Term Support (LTS) access for version-pinned deployments
• FIPS 140-3 certified and compliant cryptographic modules
• NVIDIA GPU driver support through integrated repositories and pre-built images
• Version pinning to any supported minor release
• Indemnification for Rocky Linux components
• All RLC+ features included

RLC+

RLC+ provides Rocky Linux with commercial backing from CIQ. It includes the CIQ-built kernel, CIQ Core repositories, supply chain validation, and repository access through CIQ Depot.

RLC+ is designed for organizations that need a commercially supported Rocky Linux with vendor accountability and dedicated repository access, without the advanced enterprise features of Pro.

Key capabilities:

• CIQ-built kernel across all deployment methods (cloud, on-prem, bootc)
• CIQ Core repositories with validated packages
• Supply chain validation by CIQ
• NVIDIA GPU driver support through integrated repositories and pre-built images
• US-based repository mirrors with dedicated access
• Depot CLI for subscription management and package access
• CIQ Portal access for downloads and management

Deployment

RLC Pro and RLC+ can be deployed through several methods - see the Installation section for detailed guides:

• GenericCloud (QCOW2) - Pre-built VM images for on-premises virtualization
• Cloud Marketplaces - Pre-configured images on AWS, Azure, GCP, and Oracle Cloud
• Bootc Images - Immutable, container-based OS deployments
• Convert from Rocky Linux - Migrate an existing system using the Depot CLI (see the Migration Guide)

To get started, sign up at portal.ciq.com and follow the Getting Started guide for complete setup instructions including Depot CLI authentication and repository activation.

Feature Comparison

Supported Versions

A single RLC Pro or RLC+ subscription provides access to all supported major versions.

Support Lifecycle

RLC follows the upstream Rocky Linux release cycle, with CIQ providing extended support through LTS versions for RLC Pro customers. The following dates are subject to change.

Support

• RLC+ is available with a free license
• RLC Pro is available with a free developer license or enterprise trial
• Production use of RLC Pro requires contacting CIQ Sales

For technical support, visit CIQ Support or check the FAQs.