Changes to core infrastructure can raise understandable questions, especially around compatibility and operational impact. That's why we are writing this post today.
CloudLinux OS will introduce Valkey as its Redis-compatible in-memory data store. The transition is planned for Q1 2026. Here's what this means for you:
For those who want the full story, including why we're making this change and what makes Valkey a stronger foundation going forward - read on.
Valkey is essentially Redis, but with a different name and a commitment to remain truly open-source.
It's a fork of Redis that was created in 2024 when Redis changed its licensing model. A group of major technology companies, including AWS, Google Cloud, and others, came together under The Linux Foundation to create Valkey as a continuation of the open-source Redis project.
It's based on the same codebase you know and trust, but it's governed by a community-driven model that ensures it will always remain free and open-source.
The most important feature of Valkey is that it maintains 100% API compatibility with Redis. This means:
This transition is driven by the licensing model change that Redis Ltd. announced in March 2024 for Redis 7.4 and later versions. The software moved from the BSD 3-Clause License to a dual-license model: Redis Source Available License (RSALv2), Server Side Public License (SSPLv1)
The SSPLv1 license includes a critical provision that makes it unsuitable for hosting providers: if you offer Redis as a service (which is exactly what hosting providers do), you must release the source code of your entire service stack, including proprietary management layers, monitoring systems, and any custom infrastructure code, under the same SSPLv1 license.
These restrictions fundamentally conflict with how hosting providers operate, making Redis 7.x and later versions unsuitable for our use case.
We will continue to support the Redis 6.x series because it remains under the permissive BSD 3-Clause License, which aligns with our open-source commitments and operational requirements.
The BSD 3-Clause License provides the freedom and flexibility that hosting providers need, allowing us to use, modify, and distribute Redis 6.x without restrictive obligations.
Note: We have updated Redis to version 6.2.20 to address the critical security vulnerability CVE-2025-49844.
We will not support Redis version 7.x and beyond due to the fundamental licensing changes that are incompatible with hosting provider operations.
Valkey's BSD 3-Clause License ensures it remains free and open-source without restrictive obligations, providing the same freedom that made Redis 6.x suitable for hosting providers.
Existing Redis clients, libraries, configurations, and code will work with Valkey without any modifications whatsoever. It's a drop-in replacement. You get all the benefits of Valkey with zero disruption to your current setup.
Valkey introduces significant performance improvements:
Valkey provides advanced monitoring and observability features:
Backed by major technology companies including AWS, Google Cloud, and others, Valkey benefits from transparent development, long-term sustainability, and a reliable roadmap for future enhancements.
As an actively maintained open-source project, Valkey receives regular security updates and improvements. The community-driven development model ensures that vulnerabilities are addressed promptly and transparently.
We plan to introduce Valkey to CloudLinux OS as part of AccelerateWP in Q1 2026. Because Valkey is fully compatible with Redis, this transition will be smooth and transparent. Your applications will continue to work exactly as they do today, but with the added benefits of improved performance, better scalability, and the assurance of long-term open-source support.
Stay tuned for updates on our progress and more details by following our blog.