SUSE Ships "SUSE Linux Developer Edition" for IBM eServer iSeries

August 7, 2001


IBM and SUSE Enhance Enterprise Opportunities for Linux Application Developers

OAKLAND, California

Today, SUSE Linux, the international technology leader and provider of Open Source solutions, announced that it is the first provider to deliver a custom developer version of the Linux operating system for IBM eServer iSeries, IBM's high-performance, integrated business server for small to mid-sized enterprises.

In "SUSE Linux Developer Edition for IBM eServer iSeries", SUSE now offers system administrators and application developers the possibility to make use of SUSE Linux right from the outset - as an operating system basis and development platform for e-business applications across the enterprise.

IBM ships the new eServer iSeries with Version 5 Release 1 of its OS/400 operating system, which now enables the use of several operating systems at the same time. For example, on one iSeries server, a firewall or Internet services such as WWW, FTP, proxy, and e-mail can be operated in a separate Linux partition, while company applications such as payroll and human resources programs can simultaneously be processed under OS/400. In this way, companies benefit from proven Linux applications and services without having to dispense with the accustomed reliability, scalability, security, and availability of eServer iSeries.

Being available across the IBM eServer product line, SUSE Linux is an ideal solution for the consolidation of heterogeneous server farms. After all, a uniform IT infrastructure not only reduces direct administration expenses, it also minimizes the costs for the development or acquisition of strategic software products. Thus, Linux contributes considerably to a reduction of the operating expenses of larger server farms.

"Small to mid-sized customers are searching for integrated, enterprise-class Linux solutions that help them reduce server sprawl," said Kim Stevenson, vice president of IBM eServer marketing operations. "Linux on eServer iSeries takes advantage of the strengths of Linux and OS/400 and provides an easy-to-manage server consolidation solution for mid-sized businesses looking to drive down cost and complexity."

Equipped for Rational Application Development

In addition to a complete "SUSE Linux 7.1 for PowerPC" (6 CDs, documentation) and a "SUSE Linux 7.1 for iSeries" (1 CD, documentation), "SUSE Linux Developer Edition for IBM iSeries" also includes a "SUSE Linux 7.2 Professional for IA32" (7 CDs, 1 DVD, documentation). The iSeries CD comes with a Linux operating system based on Kernel 2.4.3. Application developers will be pleased to receive the enclosed "IBM Java Developer Kit for Linux", which has been certified for SUSE Linux 7.1 for IBM eServer iSeries. This package is a complete kit of development tools and a runtime test environment for developing Java2 applications. Other features include the Logical Volume Manager (LVM), a 5250 terminal emulation for connecting to OS/400, and VNC support for remote access from other platforms.

"SUSE Linux Developer Edition for IBM iSeries" will be available directly from SUSE by mid-August at a price of USD 199.

For more information on the IBM eServer iSeries products from IBM, please refer to http://www-1.ibm.com/servers/eserver/iseries/


About Novell
Novell, Inc. is a leading provider of information solutions that deliver secure identity management (Novell® Nsure™), Web application development (Novell exteNd™) and cross-platform networking services (Novell Nterprise™), all supported by strategic consulting and professional services (Novell NgageSM). Active in the open source community with its Ximian and SUSE Linux brands, Novell is firmly committed to open source and offers comprehensive Linux products and services for the enterprise, from the desktop to the server. Novell's vision of one Net - a world without information boundaries - helps customers realize the value of their information securely and economically. For more information, call Novell's Customer Response Center at (888) 321-4CRC (4272) or visit http://www.novell.com. Press should visit http://www.novell.com/pressroom.

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