Linux Conversations | Episode 4: 25 Years of Linux Evolution with Matthias Eckermann

Welcome back to “Linux Conversations,” our blog series where we delve into the world of Linux with experts from SUSE. In this episode, we celebrate a significant milestone: 25 years of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. We’re joined by Matthias G. Eckermann, a seasoned SUSE veteran who has witnessed the entire journey, from the early days of SUSE as a small German Linux company to its current position as a global open source leader.

This conversation offers a unique perspective on the evolution of Linux, the changing open source landscape, and the importance of partnerships and community. Join us as we explore the past, present, and future of Linux with one of SUSE’s most experienced leaders.

Interview

Rick Spencer: Matthias, you’ve been with SUSE since quite some time. Can you take us back to those early days?

Matthias Eckermann: I started in 1999 as a consultant in the Linux space. SUSE was a small, independent German company at the time, right in the middle of the dotcom bubble. It was very technology-driven, with a strong focus on partnerships. We were already working with some great companies.

Rick Spencer: How has SUSE changed over the years?

Matthias Eckermann: Massively! We went from a small company to being part of Novell, then The Attachmate Group, and then Micro Focus. Each transition brought new experiences and challenges. We learned a lot about structure, legal frameworks, and even how to run conferences. Now, with EQT, we have our independence back.

Rick Spencer: And the company’s culture?

Matthias Eckermann: Two aspects have remained constant. First, a deep commitment to technology and quality. That’s always been a core value at SUSE. Second, an open and direct communication style. It has helped us grow and find the best solutions quickly.

Rick Spencer: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server has evolved too, right?

Matthias Eckermann: Absolutely. We started with a packaged community distribution with supported installation, evolving into an enterprise distribution with commercial support. This evolution required not just software development, but also a company transformation to establish relationships with a supporting enterprise community and ecosystem, and to engage with official authorities for certifications. From that initial enterprise distribution, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server evolution expanded into new areas like high availability, real-time Linux, Live Patching, and Linux management, leading to SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 and the upcoming SUSE Linux 16. And, as a natural progression, we also embraced the needs of the cloud-native and Kubernetes world.

Rick Spencer: Linux itself has changed dramatically over the past 25 years.

Matthias Eckermann: It’s grown up! Thirty years ago, ease of installation and packaging were key. In 2000, compliance and support became critical for enterprise adoption. Now, those early concerns are standardized, and the focus has shifted. Compliance remains vital, however we also have to think about things like immutable infrastructure and API-driven deployments.

Rick Spencer: Open source has changed as well.

Matthias Eckermann: Yes, it’s become much more than just an academic or idealistic notion or a mere initial “free vs. paid” debate which has been interesting. The key was to find the right business model. With SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, the code is open, nevertheless we provide additional value on top—certifications, support, services, and a commitment to quality and a long predictable life cycle. That’s how we achieve commercial success while maintaining a strong community.

Rick Spencer: What about constants? Anything that has stayed the same?

Matthias Eckermann: Constant evolution! Seriously, partnerships have always been essential. We’ve collaborated with hardware and software vendors from the very beginning. And the open source mind-set and communities itself are a vital part of it. The ability for competitors to work together on a common code base is remarkable. It benefits everyone and helps customers avoid vendor lock-in.

Rick Spencer: Any final thoughts?

Matthias Eckermann: It’s been an amazing journey already. I’m proud to be a part of it, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Linux and SUSE.

Conclusion

This journey through the evolution of Linux and SUSE is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to open source principles. The insights highlight the importance of community, partnerships, and a relentless pursuit of quality in driving innovation and success in the ever-changing world of enterprise Linux.

From the early days of floppy disk installations to the cloud-native era, Linux has come a long way. The experience with SUSE mirrors this journey, showcasing the company’s ability to adapt and thrive amidst technological shifts and market changes. Matthias’ story underscores the enduring value of open source, collaboration, and a customer-centric approach in building a sustainable and impactful business.

As SUSE celebrates 25 years of enterprise Linux, these reflections offer a powerful reminder of the key ingredients that have contributed to its success: a dedication to quality, a strong community, and the value of partnerships. These elements, combined with a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to customer needs, position SUSE for continued growth and leadership in the enterprise Linux landscape.

We hope you enjoyed this in-depth conversation. Stay tuned for more insightful interviews in our “Linux Conversations” series, where we explore the dynamic world of Linux with experts from SUSE.

More from this Series:

If you found this discussion insightful, check out previous episodes in our Linux Conversations series, where we explore key challenges and solutions in enterprise Linux:

• Linux Conversations | Episode 1: Running Multi-Linux Environments in Production with Donald Vosburg
• Linux Conversations | Episode 2: The Future of SUSE Multi-Linux with Johannes Hahn
• Linux Conversations | Episode 3: Fixing the Unfixable with William Preston
• Linux Conversations | Episode 4: 25 Years of Linux Evolution with Matthias Eckermann
• Linux Conversations | Episode 5: Securing the Untrusted: How Confidential Computing Protects Your Data with Joerg Roedel

Stay tuned for more interviews in our Linux Conversations series—follow our blog or subscribe for the latest insights from SUSE Linux experts.

You can also learn more about the history of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server in this blog post: The Evolution of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, 25 years of Enterprise Linux by Miguel Perez Colino.

*Disclaimer: This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and readability.*