Software Alternatives & Startups

DRBL VS CloudLinux

Compare DRBL VS CloudLinux and see what are their differences

DRBL

DRBL (Diskless Remote Boot in Linux) is a free software, open source solution to managing the...

Rating
0 reviews
CloudLinux

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

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
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Base details

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

DRB
DRBL
CloudLinux
Website drbl.sourceforge.net cloudlinux.com
Pricing —
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

DRB
DRBL 5 features
CloudLinux 5 features
  • Cost Efficiency
    DRBL is open-source and free, which makes it a cost-effective solution for organizations looking to deploy diskless remote boot technology without incurring large software expenses.
  • Centralized Management
    Allows for centralized management of client machines, as administrators can manage configurations, software deployments, and updates from a central server, reducing maintenance complexities.
  • Resource Sharing
    Facilitates efficient resource sharing by enabling multiple client machines to share a single server's storage and resources, optimizing usage and reducing hardware requirements.
  • Environment Customization
    Supports a wide range of Linux distributions, allowing administrators to customize and tailor the boot environment to specific needs and preferences of their organization.
  • Scalability
    DRBL can be scaled easily to support a large number of client machines, making it suitable for educational institutions, labs, and organizations with extensive computer networks.

Possible disadvantages

  • Complex Setup
    The initial setup and configuration of DRBL can be complex and time-consuming, requiring a good understanding of networking and Linux systems, which can be challenging for less-experienced users.
  • Limited Windows Support
    Primarily designed for Linux systems, DRBL offers limited support for Windows environments, which can be a disadvantage for organizations relying heavily on Windows clients.
  • Network Dependency
    Since DRBL relies on network booting, any network issues can directly impact the availability and performance of client machines, requiring robust and reliable network infrastructure.
  • Server Load
    The server bears most of the processing load, which may require powerful hardware for the server to ensure smooth operation, especially in environments with a high number of clients.
  • Learning Curve
    There is a steep learning curve associated with understanding and effectively using DRBL, which may necessitate dedicated training or expertise to fully utilize its capabilities.
  • 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.

DRB
DRBL
CloudLinux

No analysis of DRBL yet.

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.

DRB
DRBL 3 videos + Add
CloudLinux 3 videos + Add

# Exclusive install , configuration and Test Clonezilla Server Edition (DRBL) On CentOS 7

More videos

  • - Clonezilla SE - Installing DRBL in Ubuntu 12.04
  • - Clonning with drbl clonezilla 120 machines simultaneously

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
DRB
DRBL
CloudLinux
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100% 100%
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0% 0%
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100% 100%

User comments

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Alternatives to DRBL and CloudLinux

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