Changes to core infrastructure can raise understandable questions, especially around compatibility and operational impact. That’s why we are writing this post today.
What You Need to Know
Contents
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:
- No action required. The transition will be handled automatically in.
- No code changes needed. Valkey maintains complete API compatibility with Redis. Existing Redis clients, libraries, and configurations will work identically.
- No disruption to your customers. The transition is transparent to end users.
- Better performance. Valkey delivers measurable improvements in throughput, latency, and memory efficiency.
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.
What Is Valkey?
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:
- Existing Redis clients and libraries work with Valkey without any changes
- All Redis commands and features you’re familiar with work exactly the same way
- Applications won’t need any code modifications
- The transition is transparent to your end users
Why Are We Making This Change?
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)
What this effectively means for hosting providers
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.
Our Strategy Regarding Redis
Redis 6.x Series: Continued Support
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.
Redis 7.x Series: Not Supported
We will not support Redis version 7.x and beyond due to the fundamental licensing changes that are incompatible with hosting provider operations.
Key Advantages of Valkey
1. Open-Source Licensing
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.
2. Full Redis Compatibility
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.
3. Enhanced Performance
Valkey introduces significant performance improvements:
- Superior throughput and latency: In benchmark tests on AWS Graviton instances, Valkey 8.1.1 achieved 37% higher throughput for SET operations and 16% higher throughput for GET operations compared to Redis 8.0. Additionally, Valkey demonstrated 30% lower latency for SET operations and 60% lower latency for GET operations
- Multi-threaded I/O processing: Valkey’s I/O threading architecture enables better performance under high-concurrency workloads, with improved throughput and reduced latency compared to Redis
- Optimized memory usage: Valkey’s redesigned hash table implementation reduces memory overhead by approximately 20–30 bytes per key compared to Redis, allowing for more efficient memory utilization
- SIMD optimizations: Certain operations benefit from SIMD instruction acceleration, with HyperLogLog operations becoming up to 12x faster and BITCOUNT on large bitmaps over 5x faster compared to Redis
4. Advanced Scalability
Valkey offers robust scalability features:
- Automatic cluster failover: Improved reliability in distributed environments
- Large-scale cluster support: Valkey has demonstrated the capability to scale up to 2,000 nodes in a cluster, achieving over 1 billion requests per second in benchmark tests
- Improved scaling mechanisms: Better handling of growing workloads
5. Better Observability
Valkey provides advanced monitoring and observability features:
- Per-slot metrics: Detailed insights into performance and usage patterns
- Enhanced monitoring capabilities: Better visibility into system behavior
- Improved debugging tools: Easier troubleshooting and optimization
6. Community and Governance
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.
7. Security and Maintenance
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.
What Comes Next
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.
