Setting up ArcGIS For Server on Linux

This was written around 2013, now I use ArcGIS in Docker.

Nearly everything in this page is out of date now, even the name of the product.

What I want you to know here

Which Linux? CentOS

The ESRI requirements call for using Redhat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) or Suse.

I used the latest version of CentOS and had no problems. Centos is VERY CLOSE to RHEL. I have used commercial Redhat in the past and I recommend it if you want / require commercial support. If you are comfortable going it on your own, use CentOS.

Another option is Oracle Linux. It's also Redhat based and works on a support / subscription basis. I'd consider that if I were using Oracle's database instead of PostgreSQL. (Like, if I win the lottery and don't know what to do with all that cash. PostgreSQL is easier to use than Oracle.)

Which database engine? NONE so far.

It used to be that you HAD TO HAVE a database as the back end for ArcGIS Server. NOW they say you should use file geodatabases unless you really have to have a database. I find this strange but as yet I have not set up a database connection.

If your use case is work on desktop and publish results on Web then that works I suppose.

I am assuming I want the server because I will be doing all my work there.

I intend to use the same PostgreSQL instance that I will be using for the open source solution.