Enterprise-grade Linux for ARM System Innovation

What is SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for ARM?

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for ARM, a new Linux server platform from SUSE, provides solution providers with the first generally available commercial enterprise-grade Linux distribution that is optimized for ARMv8-A architecture servers.

Are virtual images supported with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for ARM?

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for ARM includes full enterprise support for virtualization with KVM.

What support options are available to service providers?

Hardware and software providers can choose from several support offerings for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for ARM with SUSE Premium Support. These à la carte service options enable service providers to gain access to knowledgeable staff and information to reduce problem resolution time. Service providers can choose the support options that fit their unique needs based on available skills, budgets and time constraints. Learn more about SUSE Premium Support.

What 64-bit ARM processor systems are supported?

SUSE partnered with the following ARM processor providers to exploit and test unique ARMv8-A features:

• Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)—Opteron A1100
• Cavium—ThunderX
• Cavium—ThunderX2 CN99xx *
• Cavium—Octeon TX *
• HiSilicon—Hi1616 *
• NXP—QorIQ LS2085A / LS2045A, LS2080A / LS2040A
• NXP—QorIQ LS1043A *
• MACOM / Applied Micro—X-Gene 1, X-Gene 2
• MACOM / Applied Micro—X-Gene 3 *
• Marvell—Armada 7040/8040 *
• Rockchip—RK3399 *
• Qualcomm—Centriq 2400 *
• Xilinx—Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC

* New support for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for ARM 12 SP3.

Note: Please check with your specific hardware vendor. Due to the rapidly evolving availability of ARM System on a Chip hardware, not all platforms have undergone the same degree of hardware testing.

What workloads are enabled for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for ARM?

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for ARM is flexible to support advanced features of a broad set of ARMv8-A processors and open source community-based storage, networking and high performance computing solutions. Key features include the ability to:

• Develop innovative large-scale High Performance Computing (HPC), storage and networking solutions with the capability to support over 95 processor cores with NUMA.
• Deploy High Performance Computing (HPC) updated functionality faster and easier with the HPC Module. This module is updated more frequently than the base operating system allow you to keep up with rapidly evolving HPC without changing the base OS. This enables you to meet time to market requirements for your solution while avoiding extensive retesting of your platform.
• Enable software-defined storage with built-in Ceph client enablement.
• Leverage and contribute to open source innovation with community-sourced, SUSE-validated ARM-based packages built using Open Build Service (OBS) and additional software available from SUSE’s Package Hub.

What are the benefits of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for ARM for solution providers?

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for ARM enables hardware and software solution providers to:

• Deliver innovative solutions with a rock solid OS foundation that is flexible to support advanced features of a broad set of ARMv8-A processors and open source community-based storage, networking and high performance computing solutions.
• Improve time to market with an array of advanced tools to more quickly compile, package and deploy Linux solutions for 64-bit ARM systems.
• Exploit ARM System-on-a-Chip specific features with optimizations for storage, and a foundation for network integration as well as support for encryption and compression engines or custom FPGA features.
• Enhance security for commercial workloads using the highest level of security for a commercial OS designed for Common Criteria EAL4+ support, enabling ARM ecosystem security mechanisms.
• Reduce problem resolution time and increase peace of mind with ready and available SUSE Premium Support services options including up to 15 minute response times and 24x7 access.
• Optimize application performance by compiling with the latest available compiler technology available from the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server Toolchain Module.

Is SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for ARM for enterprise IT shops?

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for ARM is offered to enable hardware and software solution providers to deliver innovative solutions and improve time to market by exploiting ARMv8-A processor capabilities on a well-established open source, industry standard OS distribution with enterprise-class security and superior support. SUSE does not currently offer a direct subscription model for enterprise IT organizations.

What is SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for Raspberry Pi?

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for Raspberry Pi is a specially packaged version of the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for ARM product that is tailored for Raspberry Pi devices. It is intended to introduce SUSE Linux Enterprise Server to developers who wish to inexpensively experiment with 64-bit ARM processors and the SUSE Linux OS. It supports the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and boots to an easy to use graphical user interface and is enabled for built-in I/O including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, Ethernet and GPIO. It also comes with comes with a compiler and popular development tools. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for Raspberry Pi is available for download at no charge, and one-year of updates and fixes. Support is by way of a question and answer forum at https://forums.suse.com/forum.php.