Today, SuSE Linux and IBM announced a marketing agreement to ship single-CD versions of SuSE Linux 7.0 with every IBM Netfinity server model 1000, 3000, and 3500 M20 in Europe through the end of the year 2000. The agreement also enables IBM to ship Netfinity servers preloaded or bundled with a full version of SuSE Linux.
"The CD we are shipping is specially engineered to enable IBM's Netfinity customers to try Linux on this popular server hardware," said Dirk Hohndel, CTO of SuSE Linux AG. "In addition, the Live File system allows them to run Linux directly from the CD. This is a simple way for IBM's server customers to try SuSE Linux. If they like it, it can easily be installed from the same CD."
This agreement will provide IBM with a full line of servers supported by Linux. "Netfinity provides scalability, reliability, availability and control on the Intel server platform. Shipping SuSE with Netfinity makes it easy for our customers to evaluate a high quality combination of hardware and software for Linux," said Sandy Carter, Vice President of IBM Worldwide Solutions.
SuSE is demonstrating its version 7.0 and enterprise- ready solutions on full range of IBM hardware, from S/390 through the RS/6000 and Netfinity platforms, in its booth at LinuxWorld Expo. Currently running as a beta, SuSE Linux 7.0 for IBM S/390 will ship later this year.
"We are the only Linux distribution with support for IBM's Netfinity, RS/6000 and S/390 server platforms," commented Volker Wiegand, President of SuSE Inc. "SuSE is clearly the choice for companies looking for a common cross-platform version of Linux. Its suitability as a server system is unquestioned."
More information about SuSE is at www.suse.com.