SUSE LINUX announces First Linux Desktop for Enterprises

Desktop optimized with server for seamless integration and administration

Nuremberg, Germany — 06/09/2003 — SUSE LINUX today announced the availability of the first enterprise-class Linux desktop solution, SUSE LINUX Desktop -- a user-friendly, flexible, SUSE maintained desktop built for large IT infrastructures, software development and high performance computing environments.

The final element of SUSE multi-stage desktop product strategy, SUSE LINUX Desktop also comes with five-year maintenance - a first for Linux desktops.

"SUSE LINUX Desktop is unique in the industry, combining the cost-efficiency, ease of deployment and innovation of Linux with a five-year maintenance program," said Richard Seibt, CEO of SUSE LINUX. "We believe this is the product that will bring Linux to enterprise desktops across the whole world."

SUSE also announced the first hardware certifications for SUSE LINUX Desktop. In June, IBM ThinkPads A31 and T40 and IBM NetVista desktop computers will be awarded the label "Certified for SUSE LINUX Desktop," ensuring smooth interaction between hardware and software, even under high workloads. SUSE LINUX Desktop has already achieved Linux Standards Base (LSB) Certification, verifying adherence to the community and industry developed standards for Linux distributions and Linux-based applications.

SUSE LINUX Desktop and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 - common codebase for workstations and servers

By deploying SUSE LINUX Desktop in combination with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 8, Powered by UnitedLinux, businesses worldwide will have the first complete Linux enterprise platform, certified for the solutions of the world's leading ISVs and IHVs, with server and client perfectly tuned. Based on a uniform codebase, the combination of SUSE LINUX Desktop and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server simplifies system administration within complex IT networks -- reducing administration, training and support costs -- dramatically lowering total cost of ownership.

Enhanced regularly over a period of five years with new features, fixes, and other improvements, SUSE LINUX Desktop and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 offer maximum system availability, long-term planning security and return-on-investment.

"SUSE LINUX Desktop on HP desktops and workstations marks the next stage in the evolution of the Linux operating system," said Martin Fink, vice president of Linux, HP. "Users now get the price/performance advantage of Linux on one flexible and efficient platform to run enterprise-level applications on their desktops and one vendor - HP - to support them along the way."

Complete office suite, enhanced fonts and communication tools

SUSE LINUX Desktop gives users the choice between deploying Linux or Windows productivity tools. The product comes bundled with Sun Microsystems' StarOffice 6.0 and OpenOffice.org 1.0.2, but users can also install Microsoft Office -- ensuring familiarity, flexibility and interoperability, while still taking advantage of the stability and scalability that Linux delivers. The migration of Microsoft Windows installations to SUSE LINUX Desktop is just as efficient and inexpensive as the extension of existing Windows infrastructures with SUSE LINUX Desktop.

Codeweavers CrossOver Office 2.0 enables the seamless utilization of Word, Excel and PowerPoint from MS Office 97/2000/XP as well as MS Outlook, Visio 2000 and other Microsoft applications. IBM Lotus Notes can also be utilized on the SUSE LINUX Desktop.

Agfa Monotype fonts ensure true format printing and display of Microsoft documents.

In addition to various mail clients (e.g. KMail, Evolution, Mozilla) and web browsers, calendar and data exchange functionality with PDAs, SUSE LINUX Desktop also provides optimized interfaces enabling access to application servers and mainframes - e.g., SAP client, Windows 2000 Terminal client and IBM terminal emulators. Proven security functions -- the KDE desktop security system, Kiosk, as well as e-mail and file encryption - provide protected availability of all data on local hosts, laptops, and in corporate networks.

SUSE LINUX Desktop provides all the necessary tools for the administration of large systems - easy, efficient installation with AutoYaST, SUSE YOU (YaST Online Update) and KDE "Desktop Sharing" for remote control of the screens of several network hosts across hardware borders. In addition, SUSE LINUX Desktop is prepared for implementation in a Smart Client framework as well as for utilization in combination with Ximian Red Carpet Enterprise.

Unprecedented flexibility through open standards - significantly reduced costs

With a focus on easy central administration, SUSE LINUX Desktop is optimized for deployment in large-scale enterprises, public administrations and companies with multiple locations. Corporate customers benefit from SUSE LINUX Desktop's unprecedented flexibility -- open standards and interfaces allow seamless integration in heterogeneous networks, customization to company-specific needs and unlimited scalability according to the company's growth.

Stuttgarter Lebensversicherung, a life insurance company of the Stuttgarter Versicherungen Group, announced its decision to replace its OS/2-based client infrastructure with Linux. SUSE LINUX will operate in a SmartClient architecture on about 800 PCs at more than 20 locations in Germany. The PCs will be administered from the company headquarters in Stuttgart, which will save costs and reduce the administration workload. Currently, the new system is being utilized by about 60 pilot users. From September to November 2003, another 500 workstations at the headquarters will be migrated. The workstations at the branch offices will follow in 2004.

"We explicitly decided against Windows and for SUSE LINUX on our PC workstations, because we believe that this gives us a clear advantage. By choosing SUSE LINUX, we can exploit an enormous cost savings and benefit from a substantial efficiency gain," explains Manfred Schmidt, CEO of Stuttgarter Lebensversicherung. "The pilot project was extremely successful. We are confident that the full launch will prove successful -- meeting our economic expectations."

All-in-one solution - software and maintenance-guarantee

Customers buying SUSE LINUX Desktop receive free maintenance for 12 months as part of the SUSE LINUX Maintenance Program -- covering all updates and enabling users to take advantage of further development of SUSE LINUX business products. Participants in the SUSE LINUX Maintenance Program can install and utilize enhancements and extensions immediately by way of the SUSE Maintenance Web. The product price of $598 includes a SUSE LINUX Desktop installation kit and a 12-month SUSE Maintenance Program for up to five workstations.

Additional advanced SUSE LINUX support services ensure that enterprises get assistance from SUSE experts whenever required - at fixed rates, with guaranteed turnaround times, and, if necessary, around the clock.

Further information can be found at http://www.suse.com/e-desktop/