Linux made Enterprise Ready: SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 7 for IBM eServer iSeries and pSeries

Latest result of SUSE LINUX and IBM Joint Technology Collaboration

LinuxWorld, New York — 01/31/2002 — SUSE LINUX, the international Open Source technology leader and solutions provider, today announced the availability of "SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 7 for iSeries and pSeries". The new release of SUSE proven enterprise server operating system is the latest result of the recently announced extended Business Partner relationship between SUSE LINUX and IBM. Together, IBM and SUSE LINUX are offering customers unparalled performance and value - IBM eServer scalability combined with the outstanding capabilities of the SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server (SLES) operating system.

SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server makes Linux corporate computing a reality, as it is the first operating system that is available for all IBM hardware architectures. For companies hosting complex IT infrastructures, this opens the door to the unprecedented perspective of spanning the entire IBM eServer line with a single powerful enterprise operating system. IBM's eServer line with SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server operating system provide customers a superlative combination of systems and service at an unbeatable total cost of ownership level. A uniform server strategy ensures the interoperability of diverse systems in a heterogeneous IT environment and reduces administration expenses. At the same time, it results in savings in the areas of development, training, and acquisition of new software products.

One Business Operating System for All Server Services

SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 7 provides an operating system basis optimized for stability and security, with all server services relevant in Linux, enabling the implementation of e-mail, Internet, and application services as well as file and print services in heterogeneous networks. Mission-critical applications such as the management of large data pools and complex e-commerce transactions especially benefit from the high performance of SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 7. Being certified and validated for leading enterprise applications e.g. mySAP.com, SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server offers customers unparalleled compatibility and value.

"More than ever before, enterprises are looking for easy-to-manage IT solutions that provide system and application availability to reduce down time," said Kim Stevenson, vice president, IBM eServer iSeries marketing. "SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 7 running on IBM eServer iSeries and pSeries systems takes advantage of the stability and flexibility of Linux and the high scalability of the IBM eServer line, providing customers advanced performance and reliability for mission-critical e-business transactions."

Integrated System Maintenance Ensures Investment Security

In contrast to conventional Linux versions, SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server is a business-optimized operating system that is actively maintained by SUSE for a guaranteed period of at least 2 years. During this period, SuSE provides relevant improvements in the form of certified upgrades and makes sure that system interfaces remain unchanged. Accordingly, uninterrupted server operation is guaranteed even after the installation of enhanced upgrade versions. SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server incorporates powerful version management that allows stable system management, thus ensuring investment security.

"With the SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server operating system that is kept in a stable, secure, and compatible state by SUSE for at least 24 months, we provide our customers with a decisive competitive edge. Now, they can concentrate on what really matters: their core businesses," commented Gerhard Burtscher, CEO of SUSE LINUX.

Advanced tools for intelligent corporate computing

With the Linux Kernel 2.4.13, SUSE LINUX is the first company to present a 64-Bit Kernel for iSeries and pSeries. Thus, with more than 4 GB supported RAM, SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server now enters a sphere, which was previously reserved for commercial Unix variants only. Supporting all 64-bit IBM eServer hardware platforms, the SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server is the most advanced enterprise Linux computing system today.

Application developers will be pleased to receive the enclosed "IBM Java 2 (version 1.3.0) Developer Kit for Linux", which has been certified for SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 7 for iSeries and pSeries. This package is a complete kit of development tools and a runtime test environment for the development of Java applications.

The Logical Volume Manager, three Journaling File Systems (ReiserFS, JFS, Ext3) and Large File System Support comprise part of the package that forms the optimum platform for mission-critical enterprise computing.

SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 7 for iSeries and pSeries contains two CDs, two manuals, and comes with a developer's edition with more than 1,300 applications on 5 CDs. The product price includes 30 days of installation support and system maintenance for 12 months. SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 7 for iSeries and pSeries can now be obtained directly from SUSE and from SUSE LINUX Partners.

The IBM eServer brand consists of the established IBM e-business logo with the descriptive term "server" following it. The IBM e-business logo and iSeries are trademarks or registered trademarks of the IBM Corporation.