Novell Delivers Integrated Stack for SUSE Linux Enterprise Built With Mixed Source Software and Systems From IBM

WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Novell (Nasdaq: NOVL) today announced the global availability of the Integrated Stack for SUSE(R) Linux Enterprise, a software bundle that combines SUSE Linux Enterprise Server from Novell(R) with a mixture of open and private source software from IBM, tailored for IBM* systems. With more than 700 orders worldwide to date and growing, it is ideal for small and medium businesses for serving file and print, Web application, and database functionality for IBM System x* and BladeCenter* servers. The Integrated Stack for SUSE Linux Enterprise gives organizations using Microsoft* Windows* greater choice and flexibility in their IT infrastructure as well as enhanced security, reliability and performance, all at a fraction of the cost of alternative solutions.

"With this integrated solution, customers can rapidly deploy a platform for databases and running custom-built applications," said Roger Levy, vice president and general manager of Open Platform Solutions for Novell. "The new Integrated Stack for SUSE Linux Enterprise lets customers bring the flexibility of Linux* into their IT environment and quickly reduce costs. Because of the inherent interoperability of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, customers can simply and seamlessly plug the Integrated Stack for SUSE Linux Enterprise into their existing infrastructure, including a Windows environment. Novell continues to give customers options to save money and improve performance with SUSE Linux Enterprise."

Jeff Smith, IBM vice president of Open Source and Linux Middleware, said, "The Integrated Stack for SUSE Linux Enterprise uses software and systems from IBM to let small and medium businesses run Web, database, file and print servers more cost effectively. This secure mixed source software stack, integrated and pre-installed by channel partners, offers SMBs the flexibility to choose the components they'd like to deploy while making it easier to integrate Linux servers into Windows environments."

Integrated Solutions

The Integrated Stack for SUSE Linux Enterprise adds to Novell's rich history of innovative workgroup solutions and is further evidence of Novell's commitment to providing alternative network management frameworks to suit the varying needs of different customers. The Integrated Stack for SUSE Linux Enterprise is built using open standards and the best combination of mixed source software from two software industry leaders. In comparison, the recently launched Red Hat* Application Stack offers a pure open source solution at a higher price point with less functionality and limited Windows integration.

The Integrated Stack for SUSE Linux Enterprise includes proven, enterprise-quality mixed source software components, all fully integrated with a range of enterprise-standard IBM Systems. Components of the solution include:

*SUSE Linux Enterprise Server from Novell

*IBM WebSphere* Application Server Community Edition

*IBM DB2* Express-C

*Centeris* Likewise* Management Suite

The software stack is optimized to run on IBM System x or BladeCenter server hardware.

David Richards, CEO of Centric CRM, said, "The Integrated Stack for SUSE Linux Enterprise provides an ideal application platform for our open source CRM customers. Great for medium-sized customers, the capabilities of this solution easily extend as businesses grow. This sort of performance is only possible because the Integrated Stack for SUSE Linux Enterprise brings together best-of-breed components at every level of the stack, from hardware through the operating system through the middleware."

Pricing and Availability

The Integrated Stack for SUSE Linux Enterprise is now available from Novell and IBM. Costs vary depending on IBM hardware selected, but the software subscription cost for the first year is $349. For more information, visit http://www.novell.com/ibmstack and http://www.ibm.com/linux/integration

About Novell

Novell, Inc. delivers Software for the Open Enterprise(TM). With more than 50,000 customers in 43 countries, Novell helps customers manage, simplify, secure and integrate their technology environments by leveraging best-of-breed, open standards-based software. With more than 20 years of experience, 4,700 employees, 5,000 partners and support centers around the world, Novell helps customers gain control over their IT operating environments while reducing costs. More information about Novell can be found at http://www.novell.com .

About IBM

For more information about IBM, please visit http://www.ibm.com .

NOTE: Novell and SUSE are registered trademarks and Software for the Open Enterprise is a trademark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. *Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.