Software Alternatives & Startups

CDK Global VS CloudLinux

Compare CDK Global VS CloudLinux and see what are their differences

CDK Global

CDK is a leading provider of integrated data and cloud-based software solutions to dealerships and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across automotive and related industries.

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CloudLinux

Making Linux secure, stable, and profitable for thousands of hosting providers and data centers worldwide.

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0 reviews
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Open source
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Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

CDK Global
CloudLinux
Website cdkglobal.com cloudlinux.com
Pricing —
Open source
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About CDK Global and CloudLinux

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

CDK Global
CloudLinux

CDK is a secure, SOC 2-compliant dealership software solution provider who’s fully integrated for all areas of the automotive dealership — from the Front Office, Back Office, Service and Parts, and all areas in between. Our mission is to help dealers sell and service more cars and run more...

Read more about CDK Global

No description of CloudLinux yet.

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

CDK Global 8 features
CloudLinux 5 features
  • CDK Dealership Xperience Platform
    The CDK Dealership Xperience Platform incorporates a fully integrated series of suites to help you elevate the consumer experience while running your dealership more effectively.
  • CDK Foundations Suite
    At the core of the CDK Dealership Xperience platform is this complete solution set designed to strengthen every part of your dealership from the front to the back.
  • CDK Fundamentals Suite
    Tailored to suit the needs of one-to-two-site franchise dealers and independent auto dealers, the CDK Fundamentals Suite is a proven and scalable core business system empowering dealerships to reach their full potential.
  • CDK Modern Retail Suite
    Consumers expect all transactions to be more convenient. Surpass their expectations with this advanced suite for the CDK Dealership Xperience platform.
  • CDK Vehicle Inventory Suite
    Increase profitability with real-time, AI-enhanced inventory. Streamline your processes and make more informed decisions.
  • CDK Fixed Operations Suite
    Utilize the most comprehensive solution in the industry to build loyalty and maximize Service and Parts revenue. Integrates with the CDK Dealership Xperience platform.
  • CDK Intelligence Suite
    Fine-tune your dealership's performance with advanced analytics, AI and machine learning integrated into the CDK Dealership Xperience platform.
  • Customer Support
    CDK Customer Care Portal provides seamless and efficient access to several support options for all CDK products, including AI-driven self-service, live agent chat, phone support and online case submissions

Possible disadvantages

  • Cost
    The comprehensive nature of CDK Global's solutions often comes with a high price tag, which may be a barrier for smaller dealerships or startups.
  • Complexity
    Given the broad range of features and services, the platform can be complex to navigate and may require significant training and adjustment time for new users.
  • Integration with Non-CDK Products
    While CDK Global offers a wide range of integrated solutions, integrating their platform with non-CDK products can be challenging and sometimes requires additional support.
  • Customization Limitations
    Some users have reported that the level of customization available within the CDK Global platform may not meet their specific needs, leading to potential limitations in functionality.
  • Upgrade and Maintenance Downtime
    The platform occasionally requires maintenance and upgrades, which can result in downtime and affect dealership operations temporarily.
  • Enhanced Server Stability
    CloudLinux uses its lightweight virtualization technology (LVE) to isolate each tenant on a shared hosting server, preventing any single user from consuming excessive resources and crashing the server for everyone else. This ensures consistent uptime and performance.
  • Improved Security with HardenedPHP and KernelCare
    CloudLinux offers HardenedPHP, which patches old and unsupported PHP versions against known vulnerabilities, and KernelCare, which provides live kernel patching without requiring server reboots. These features significantly enhance server security posture.
  • Resource Limit Management
    Administrators can set granular resource limits (CPU, memory, I/O, number of processes, etc.) per user account using LVE Manager. This makes it easy to manage shared hosting environments and ensure fair resource distribution among tenants.
  • CageFS File System Virtualization
    CageFS creates a virtualized file system for each user, preventing them from seeing other users on the server, viewing sensitive configuration files, or exploiting server vulnerabilities. This adds an important layer of isolation and security.
  • Wide Compatibility with Hosting Panels
    CloudLinux integrates seamlessly with popular hosting control panels such as cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin, making it straightforward for hosting providers to adopt without overhauling their existing infrastructure or workflows.

Possible disadvantages

  • Additional Licensing Cost
    CloudLinux requires a paid monthly or annual license on top of the base server cost. For smaller hosting providers or individual server owners, this additional expense can add up and may not always be justifiable compared to free alternatives.
  • Limited to CentOS/RHEL-Based Systems
    CloudLinux is built on top of RHEL/CentOS and does not support other Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Debian. This limits its adoption for hosting providers who prefer or already run non-RHEL-based environments.
  • Learning Curve for Configuration
    While CloudLinux provides powerful resource management tools, properly configuring LVE limits, CageFS, PHP Selector, and other features requires a solid understanding of the platform. Misconfiguration can lead to users being unnecessarily restricted or resources being poorly allocated.
  • Potential Performance Overhead
    The additional layers of virtualization, resource monitoring, and file system isolation introduced by CloudLinux can impose a slight performance overhead on the server compared to running a bare, unmodified Linux distribution without these controls.
  • Dependency on CloudLinux Ecosystem
    Adopting CloudLinux means relying on their ecosystem for kernel updates, PHP patches, and security fixes. If the company experiences delays in releasing patches or changes its pricing/licensing model, hosting providers may find themselves locked into a dependency that is difficult to migrate away from.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

CDK Global
CloudLinux

Overall verdict

  • CDK Global is considered good for businesses in the automotive industry that are looking for comprehensive technology solutions. Its robust suite of products and long-standing industry experience make it a reliable choice for automotive retailers seeking to optimize their operations.

Why this product is good

  • CDK Global is a well-established provider of integrated technology solutions to the automotive retail industry. It offers a wide range of services, including dealer management systems, digital marketing, and data analytics, which help automotive dealers streamline operations, improve customer experience, and enhance business performance.

Recommended for

  • Automotive dealers
  • Automotive service centers
  • Car rental companies
  • Businesses seeking digital transformation in the automotive sector

Overall verdict

  • CloudLinux is a well-regarded, mature Linux OS distribution and toolset specifically designed for shared hosting and multi-tenant server environments, offering strong isolation, resource management, and security features that make it a solid choice for hosting providers.

Why this product is good

  • Provides LVE (Lightweight Virtual Environment) technology for per-tenant resource isolation, preventing 'bad neighbor' effects on shared servers
  • Enhances server stability and security by isolating users so that one account's issues (crashes, resource spikes) don't affect others
  • Offers extended lifecycle support (longer than standard CentOS/RHEL support windows), which is valuable for legacy systems
  • Includes tools like CloudLinux OS Shield, Imunify360 integration, and hardened kernel options for improved security
  • Compatible with popular control panels like cPanel and Plesk, making it easy to integrate into existing hosting stacks
  • Backed by an established company with a long track record in the hosting industry and responsive support
  • Offers granular control over CPU, memory, I/O, and other resources per user account
  • Provides PHP Selector and multiple PHP version support, useful for hosting providers serving diverse client needs

Recommended for

  • Web hosting companies running shared or reseller hosting environments
  • Hosting providers needing to isolate customer accounts on the same physical server
  • Businesses requiring extended OS support lifecycles beyond standard RHEL/CentOS EOL dates
  • Enterprises using cPanel or Plesk that want tighter security and resource control
  • Hosting companies looking to reduce support tickets caused by noisy-neighbor resource contention
  • IT teams managing multi-tenant infrastructure who need governance and monitoring tools built into the OS layer

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

CDK Global 3 videos + Add
CloudLinux 3 videos + Add

Why Benzel-Busch Trusts CDK

More videos

  • - How Does CDK’s CRM Drive McGovern Automotive Group Success?
  • - CDK Dealership Xperience Helps Car Pros Excel

When To Use Cloudlinux On Your Virtual Private Server (VPS)

More videos

  • - CloudLinux OS+ in a minute: Explore Features
  • - How CloudLinux Plans to Keep CentOS 6 Alive

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
CDK Global
CloudLinux
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

CDK Global no reviews yet
CloudLinux no reviews yet

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When comparing CDK Global and CloudLinux, you can also consider the following products.