SUSE Easing Linux on the Mainframe with KVM for IBM z Systems Support

August 17, 2015


SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is the first OS supported by IBM's KVM for IBM z Systems virtualization

Seattle (LinuxCon North America)

SUSE® today announced SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is the first and currently only server operating system supported by the recently announced KVM for IBM z Systems, open source-based server virtualization for the IBM mainframe. The announcement coincides with IBM's launch of LinuxONE, a new portfolio of Linux systems based on the z Systems mainframe.

SUSE was the first to bring Linux to the mainframe, collaborating with IBM since 1999 to make SUSE Linux Enterprise Server the perfect guest operating system on IBM z Systems. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for System z is still the top customer choice for secure and reliable IBM z/VM server virtualization, and the addition of KVM for IBM z Systems support makes the advantages of mainframe computing more attractive and accessible to customers experienced with Linux and KVM.

"SUSE's and IBM's mutual support for KVM for IBM z Systems benefits our shared customers," said Michael Miller, SUSE vice president of global alliances and marketing. "Driven by customer needs, we are typically first to collaborate with IBM and take advantage of new z Systems capabilities to provide more choice to our customers and innovation to the mainstream Linux kernel. KVM for IBM z Systems will help attract new Linux workloads to the mainframe and skilled x86 administrators who can now more easily explore the potential of Linux on the mainframe."

Ross Mauri, general manager, IBM z Systems, said, "In the past 15 years, we've seen strong growth of Linux on the mainframe as organizations increasingly see the advantages of combining Linux with the unrivaled speed, security and availability of the mainframe. Now, IBM and SUSE are taking Linux to new levels of performance and choice with LinuxONE and KVM availability, providing organizations with a new option for simple, robust and cost-effective server virtualization for the mainframe."

For more information about SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for System z, visit suse.com/products/systemz.

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