SUSE Linux, the international Open Source technology leader and solutions provider, today announced an agreement with IBM to distribute IBM's entire line of software for Linux in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) as a Value Added Linux Distributor (VALD).
IBM will use SUSE as a primary distributor in Europe for its Linux software product lines DB2, WebSphere, Lotus, and Tivoli. In addition, IBM will promote and fulfill orders through SUSE for SUSE Linux Groupware Server with Lotus Domino R5, SUSE Linux Database Server with IBM's DB2 Universal Database, and IBM's WebSphere Commerce Suite 5.1 for Linux.
"This agreement marks another significant milestone in our relationship with SUSE that began in 1999," said Scott Handy, Worldwide Director of Linux Solutions, IBM Software. "Our relationship with SUSE provides a win-win for both customers and channel partners because it is driven by mutual goals -- to provide value-add Linux solutions to our customers and to deliver these solutions through our channel partners."
In addition to integrated SUSE Linux Business Solutions, this agreement will enable SUSE to provide more flexibility to its customers and partners by offering a broad range of Linux software that includes over 50 IBM products.
"SUSE expanded relationship with IBM will allow us to tightly integrate our efforts to satisfy the strong demand for Linux business solutions as customers expand their use of Linux to include mission-critical business applications", said Johannes Nussbickel, Chief Executive Officer, SuSE Linux. "Customers are excited about Linux and have had great success in their deployments to-date. They are looking for the same benefits in cost, performance and reliability from their business applications that they get from Linux-based infrastructure solutions today. Together with IBM, we plan to deliver those Linux solutions to our business partners and joint customers."
SUSE recently expanded its channel programs for Value Added Resellers (VARs), Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), Consultants and System Integrators (SIs) to help them deliver value and business solutions to customers. For more on the benefits of these programs and for information on how to become a SUSE business partner visit http://www.suse.de/en/partner/ or contact
SUSE Linux AG
Channel Marketing
ibm-partner@suse.de
Tel. (+49) 911 - 740 53 - 520
IBM products and all SUSE Linux Business Solutions distributed by SUSE are available immediately through authorized SUSE resellers. Enhanced programs for business partners to become new SUSE resellers are also available immediately.
* Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
** DB2, WebSphere, Lotus and Tivoli are registered trademarks of the IBM Corporation.
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.
Novell is a registered trademarks; Nsure, exteNd and Nteprise are trademarks; and Ngage is a service mark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SUSE is a registered trademark of SUSE Linux AG. * All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.