Descon Engineering Limited Maintains Global Lead with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications

February 20, 2013


Engineering firm relies on SUSE to help increase uptime while improving the speed, reliability and flexibility of its IT infrastructure

NUREMBERG, Germany

SUSE® today announced a joint success with Descon Engineering Limited. Descon has bolstered its leading position in the engineering and construction services industry using SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP® Applications and the SUSE Linux Enterprise High Availability Extension to power its SAP ERP software. The successful migration from legacy process management applications to an integrated SUSE and SAP solution provides Descon the robust, highly available platform needed to rapidly and reliably respond to customers.

The Pakistan-based company provides engineering services to process plants and is a major player in the Asia Pacific region, serving the oil and gas, chemical, cement and petrochemical sectors.

Prior to working with SUSE, Descon ran all of its SAP ERP-based processes on a distributed server landscape. Over time, the firm realized that this method did not offer sufficient stability to meet its end-to-end uptime goals.

Bilal Hussain, ERP Architect at Descon, said: “Our success as a business depends on our ability to provide best solution and services in EPCC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning). We determined that an SAP ERP solution would enable us to maintain agility as our business grows and decided to search for an operating system with proven reliability for SAP ERP workloads.”

Ultimately, Descon chose SUSE Linux Enterprise be­cause of its leading integration with SAP applications and long-term partnership with SAP. Today, a majority of customers running SAP solutions on Linux use SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. In addition, the High Availability Extension included with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications enabled Descon to leverage existing in-house competencies to build and maintain a clus­tered environment, which helps reduce unplanned downtime and further ensures continuous access to mission-critical applications and data.

The success Descon has experienced using SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications comes on the heels of the recent announcement that SUSE Linux Enterprise High Availability Extension 11 Service Pack 2 is now certified for integration with the SAP NetWeaver® technology platform. This establishes a reference architecture to help ensure customers such as Descon are able to achieve a fully compliant implementation of high-availability scenarios for running SAP solutions.

“Descon is a prime example of how leading companies are utilizing Linux for more than just cost reduction,” said Michael Miller, vice president of global alliances and marketing for SUSE. “In addition to the substantial financial savings, the combination of SAP applications, SUSE Linux Enterprise and Intel-based hardware helps them improve performance, increase reliability and tighten security, enabling competitive advantage and a leadership position.”

Since implementing SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications, Descon has achieved its goal of building a stable SAP ERP-based platform with 98 percent uptime.

“Stories like Descon’s illustrate why enterprises need fully integrated solutions that are scalable, flexible and available to stay one step ahead within the global economy,” said Helge Deller, head of SAP LinuxLabs, SAP AG. “We’re extremely pleased that, along with SUSE, we’re able to play such an integral part in Descon’s ability to stay ahead of the game.”

Today, all of Descon’s business processes are supported by SAP ERP running on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. “Through deploying SUSE Linux technologies, we have further benefited from the highly reliable SAP ERP platform we needed to drive business growth,” added Hussain.

More information for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 SP2 for SAP Applications can be found at https://www.suse.com/products/sles-for-sap/.

More information about SUSE Linux Enterprise High Availability Extension can be found at https://www.suse.com/products/highavailability/.

About SUSE

SUSE®, a pioneer in open source software, provides reliable, interoperable Linux and cloud infrastructure solutions that give enterprises greater control and flexibility. More than 20 years of engineering excellence, exceptional service and an unrivaled partner ecosystem power the products and support that help our customers manage complexity, reduce cost, and confidently deliver mission-critical services. The lasting relationships we build allow us to adapt and deliver the smarter innovation they need to succeed—today and tomorrow. For more information, visit us at suse.com.     

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