Securing Your Data Fortress: SUSE Linux Enterprise and IBM LinuxONE 5

This blog was authored by Rob Culp, Global Alliance Director, IBM.

In today’s digital landscape, where data breaches and security threats loom larger than ever, businesses are constantly seeking robust solutions that prioritize both security and efficiency. The combination of SUSE Linux Enterprise and the new IBM LinuxONE 5 server presents a powerful combination, offering an unparalleled secure compute environment coupled with significant cost optimization. This isn’t just about running applications; it’s about building a foundation of trust and resilience in the face of evolving cyber risks.

The Power of Confidential Computing

At the heart of this combination lies the commitment to safeguarding data throughout its lifecycle. While traditional security measures focus on protecting data at rest and in transit, the Confidential Computing Consortium (CCC) emphasizes the critical need to protect data in use. This is where the combined strengths of SUSE Linux Enterprise and IBM LinuxONE truly shine.

Confidential computing, as defined by the CCC, utilizes hardware-based Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) to create secure enclaves within the system. These enclaves ensure that data remains protected from being modified or inspected by the VM host environment. This technology acts as a shield against a multitude of threats, from software vulnerabilities and protocol exploits to physical and supply chain attacks.

IBM LinuxONE, with its advanced hardware security features, provides the ideal platform for implementing confidential computing. Its robust architecture, designed with security as a core principle, complements SUSE Linux Enterprise’s secure and reliable operating system. Together, they create a fortified environment where sensitive data can be processed with the utmost confidence.

Who needs confidential computing?

SUSE Linux Enterprise, known for its rigorous security certifications and hardened kernel, integrates seamlessly with the hardware-based security of LinuxONE. This integration allows for the creation of secure, isolated environments where applications and data can operate without fear of unauthorized access or tampering. This capability is particularly crucial for industries dealing with sensitive data, such as financial services, healthcare, and government.

By leveraging the hardware-backed security of LinuxONE and the secure foundation of SUSE Linux Enterprise, organizations can achieve a level of data protection that goes beyond traditional encryption methods. This is a critical step in building trust with customers and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements.

Optimizing for Cost Savings and Efficiency

Beyond security, the combination of SUSE Linux Enterprise and IBM LinuxONE offers significant advantages in terms of cost savings and operational efficiency. In today’s economic climate, businesses are constantly seeking ways to optimize their IT infrastructure and reduce operational expenses.

IBM LinuxONE’s ability to consolidate workloads onto a single, powerful platform allows organizations to significantly reduce their data center footprint. This consolidation translates into lower energy consumption, reduced hardware maintenance costs, and streamlined management. By repatriating workloads to an on-premises accelerated computing environment, businesses can gain greater control over their data and reduce reliance on costly cloud services.

SUSE Linux Enterprise plays a crucial role in maximizing the efficiency of IBM LinuxONE. Its optimized kernel and resource management capabilities ensure that applications run smoothly and efficiently, utilizing the full potential of the underlying hardware. This leads to improved performance and reduced latency, ultimately enhancing the user experience.

One of the most compelling advantages of this combination is the industry-leading availability of IBM LinuxONE, boasting an impressive 99.999999% uptime. This level of availability minimizes downtime and ensures that critical applications are always accessible. For businesses that rely on continuous operations, this level of reliability is invaluable.

By consolidating workloads, improving resource utilization, and minimizing downtime, organizations can achieve significant cost savings and improve their overall operational efficiency. This combination provides a compelling value proposition for businesses looking to optimize their IT infrastructure and reduce their total cost of ownership.

Securing Your Future with a Solid Foundation

The synergy between SUSE Linux Enterprise and IBM LinuxONE represents a powerful solution for organizations seeking a secure, reliable, and cost-effective IT infrastructure. By leveraging the power of confidential computing and optimizing for efficiency, businesses can build a foundation for the future that is both secure and sustainable. See how Nowy Styl did just that by deploying their Oracle Database on LinuxONE servers running SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and adding IBM FlashSystem storage.

In an era where data security is paramount, the ability to protect sensitive information during processing is crucial. The hardware-backed security of IBM LinuxONE, combined with the secure foundation of SUSE Linux Enterprise, provides a level of protection that is unmatched.

Furthermore, the cost savings and efficiency gains offered by this combination are essential for businesses looking to optimize their IT infrastructure and remain competitive. By consolidating workloads and maximizing resource utilization, organizations can achieve significant cost reductions and improve their overall operational efficiency.

If you are looking to enhance the security of your sensitive data, the SUSE and IBM LinuxONE team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can provide robust protection and piece of mind for your business. Reach out to us at ibmteam@suse.com to get started.