Unleashing Enterprise-Grade Reliability: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) Technology Preview on NVIDIA Jetson

We are thrilled to announce the technology preview of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) on the powerful NVIDIA Jetson™ platform, specifically targeting the arm64 architecture. This landmark development marks a significant step forward in bringing enterprise-grade stability, security, and support to the rapidly evolving landscape of embedded AI and edge computing.

The convergence of cutting-edge hardware like NVIDIA Jetson Orin system-on-modules with robust, enterprise-ready software like SLES opens new avenues for deploying sophisticated AI-powered applications in demanding environments. This preview signifies our commitment to empowering developers and businesses with the tools they need to build and deploy mission-critical applications on the edge.

Why SLES on NVIDIA Jetson Matters

The NVIDIA Jetson platform, particularly with the introduction of the Jetson Orin family (as detailed here: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/autonomous-machines/embedded-systems/jetson-orin/), has become a cornerstone for building advanced AI solutions. This platform’s exceptional AI performance and energy efficiency make it ideal for a wide range of applications, from robotics and autonomous vehicles to industrial automation and smart city deployments.

However, deploying these sophisticated applications in real-world scenarios demands a robust and reliable operating system. That’s where SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) comes in. By bringing SLES to the NVIDIA Jetson platform, we are providing developers with the following key advantages:

• Unwavering Stability and Reliability: SLES is renowned for its stability, ensuring consistent and predictable performance even in demanding environments. This is crucial for mission-critical applications where downtime is not an option.
• Enhanced Security Features: SLES incorporates a comprehensive suite of security features, including robust access controls, secure boot, and regular security updates. These features are essential for protecting sensitive data and mitigating potential security risks.
• Multimodal IT Support: SUSE provides enterprise-grade support, giving developers and businesses access to expert assistance when they need it. This includes access to a vast knowledge base, dedicated support engineers, and timely updates.
• Real-World Use Cases: Imagine deploying autonomous inspection robots in hazardous industrial environments. SLES’s reliability ensures continuous operation, while its security features protect sensitive operational data. Or consider smart city applications that rely on edge-based AI for traffic management or public safety. SLES provides the stability and security needed for these critical deployments.

SUSE: A Commitment to Excellence

SUSE is a global leader in open-source solutions, committed to driving innovation and empowering businesses with enterprise-grade software. We are driven by a passion for engineering excellence and a dedication to the open-source community.

Our focus on delivering reliable, secure, and supported solutions makes us an ideal partner for developers working with the NVIDIA Jetson platform for edge computing and robotics. The same traits that have made SUSE a trusted partner in enterprise data centers are now available to those building edge AI solutions.

Seamless Integration with NVIDIA Jetson

The integration of SLES with the NVIDIA Jetson platform is designed to be seamless and efficient. We are leveraging the power of NVIDIA JetPack to provide a comprehensive development environment.

We are pleased to report that we have successfully tested JetPack 6.1 with SLES 15 SP6 on the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin Developer Kit. This successful testing validates the compatibility and performance of SLES on the Jetson platform.

Specifically we are focused on the integration of SLES with the NVIDIA Jetson AI Stack and Jetson Platform Services capabilities. SLES enhances the Jetson AI Stack by providing a stable and secure foundation for running AI workloads. This allows developers to focus on building their applications, rather than worrying about the underlying operating system. The stability and security features of SLES ensure that AI models and applications run reliably and securely on the edge.

Technology Preview: Your Feedback Matters

It’s important to note that this release is a technology preview. We are actively working with NVIDIA to achieve full support for SLES 15 SP6 and future releases on Jetson Orin and future JetPack releases. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us refine and improve this integration.

We are committed to a strong and ongoing collaboration with NVIDIA, working together to deliver best-in-class solutions for the embedded AI and edge computing market.

Call to Action

We encourage you to try the technology preview of SLES on the NVIDIA Jetson platform and experience the benefits of enterprise-grade reliability and security. Your feedback is crucial in helping us shape the future of this integration.

Please review my colleague Stefan Dirsch’s blog to learn about how to install SUSE Linux Enterprise Server on your NVIDIA Jetson Orin device and share your thoughts. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to build the next generation of AI-powered solutions on the edge.