Today, SUSE Linux, the international Open Source technology leader and solutions provider, announced the release of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for S/390, the latest version of its server operating system for deployment in enterprise mainframes. Based on kernel 2.4, this SUSE server version now supports S/390 servers as well as IBM eServer zSeries z900.
Extremely failsafe and high performing, IBM mainframes are the ideal solution for running mission-critical applications such as the administration of complex e-business transactions. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for S/390 excellently matches IBM's hardware as the perfect medium for consolidated server services on IBM mainframes, e.g. for intranet and Internet services as well as database applications. Additionally, the SuSE Maintenance Service keeps the operating system in a secure, stable, and tested state for at least 24 months of guaranteed investment security.
"More and more of our customers are turning to server consolidation as a means of reducing expenses and improving the reliability, security and flexibility of their enterprise systems. " said Rich Lechner, vice president, Marketing and Sales, IBM eServer zSeries. " SUSE provides our customers with more choices in optimizing operating efficiency and leveraging the rapidly growing set of Linux solutions."
Expanded System Functionality
Compared to its predecessor, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for S/390 boasts a number of improvements: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for S/390 is the first server operating system to fully support HiperSockets, a new high-performance feature unique to IBM eServer zSeries, thus substantially accelerating the speed of the data transfer between virtual servers in the mainframe. As the host operating system z/OS also supports HiperSockets, data exchange between SUSE Linux and z/OS is possible with maximum bandwidth and near-zero latency.
Investment Security Included
With at least 24 months of maintenance, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for S/390 guarantees long-term planning and investment security and ensures the stability and up-to-date state of the operating system basis. Improvements in the fields of security, performance, and usability are first subjected to an extensive quality check, especially with regard to certifications of ISV solutions. Within a short time, these improvements are made available exclusively on the SUSE Maintenance Web through well-documented patches, fixes, and updates. Users are regularly notified regarding the availability of such files and receive update CDs with important improvements every three months. Moreover, SUSE experts provide assistance for the installation of the patches, fixes, and updates. In addition to this service, SUSE offers individual assistance for the integration of new patches into the existing system and for the ongoing system operation. The optional SUSE Linux Premier Software Support even includes selected applications.
The rail freight company Transtar is developing a real-time tracking system on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for S/390, and thus, provides online freight information to employees and customers. "The SUSE people have been extremely helpful and responsive in assisting us whenever needed, via telephone, email, and in-house training sessions," explains Tom Pajak, Senior Manager Information Support at Transtar. "The success of this endeavor is undeniably important to our entire company, and we feel that we have made the correct choice, with the most flexibility for our long-term needs."
The cross-platform availability enables companies to integrate SUSE Linux on all systems in their IT environment - from PC clients to powerful host systems - and to continue to work under accustomed system conditions. A wide range of supported hardware, including notebooks and servers based on IA32, IA64, Sparc, PowerPC, IBM eServer pSeries, IBM eServer iSeries, as well as the latest high-performance mainframes from IBM, predestines SUSE Linux as the operating system of choice for professional deployment.
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for S/390 comes on 2 CDs together with a manual, a developer's kit with more than 1,300 applications on 5 CDs, and 30 days of expanded support. The free system maintenance for 12 months includes the quarterly dispatch of an update CD containing the documented and quality-checked fixes, patches, and updates, as well as the accompanying installation support from the SUSE experts. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for S/390 will be available from the end of November from SUSE and SuSE Linux Enterprise Partners. Prices start at US $ 4,500.
For more details, please check http://s390.suse.com
For inquiries to the SUSE experts, please feel free to contact S390-sales@suse.com
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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