Software Alternatives & Startups

Wowza Streaming Engine VS CloudLinux

Compare Wowza Streaming Engine VS CloudLinux and see what are their differences

Wowza Streaming Engine

Stream live and on demand video with downloadable server software. Support for low-latency, WebRTC, and VR 360 streaming--#1 streaming server software.

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.

Wowza Streaming Engine
CloudLinux
Website wowza.com cloudlinux.com
Pricing —
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Wowza Streaming Engine 5 features
CloudLinux 5 features
  • Scalability
    Wowza Streaming Engine is designed to handle a large number of simultaneous connections, making it suitable for scalability needs depending on the growing size of an audience.
  • Multi-format Support
    It supports a range of formats including HLS, RTMP, WebRTC, and more, which makes it versatile for different streaming scenarios and requirements.
  • Extensive API
    Wowza offers a comprehensive set of APIs that allows developers to customize and build scalable streaming solutions tailored to specific needs.
  • Low Latency
    The platform is optimized to deliver streams with minimal latency, which is crucial for live broadcasts and real-time interactions.
  • Adaptive Bitrate Streaming
    It supports adaptive bitrate streaming, ensuring a seamless viewing experience across varying internet speeds and devices.

Possible disadvantages

  • Complexity
    The advanced features and extensive customization options can be complex, requiring a significant learning curve and technical expertise to utilize effectively.
  • Cost
    The pricing model can be expensive, especially for smaller businesses or individual users who may not need all the features the platform offers.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running Wowza Streaming Engine can demand considerable server resources and maintenance, which might not be ideal for users with limited technical infrastructure.
  • Limited Built-in Analytics
    Compared to some other platforms, Wowza offers limited built-in analytics tools, which might necessitate additional integration for detailed insights.
  • User Interface
    The user interface might not be as intuitive or user-friendly as some competitors, potentially making configuration and management less straightforward.
  • 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.

Wowza Streaming Engine
CloudLinux

No analysis of Wowza Streaming Engine 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.

Wowza Streaming Engine 3 videos + Add
CloudLinux 3 videos + Add

How to Install Wowza Streaming Engine and Run Your First Live Video Stream

More videos

  • - Wowza Streaming Engine Manager Basics and Live Stream Setup
  • - Simulcast to Multiple Stream Targets Like Facebook and YouTube With Wowza Streaming Engine

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
Wowza Streaming Engine
CloudLinux
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0% 0%
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User comments

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Alternatives to Wowza Streaming Engine and CloudLinux

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