Novell fires up SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP apps

SOFTWARE VENDOR Novell has announced the availability of the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP, explaining that it will let customers run a range of the German's software house's business applications.

The release could appeal to firms that are looking to consolidate their datacentres or simplify their server estate, and will let them run their applications on Linux boxes. Novell added that users can benefit from faster installation, lower total cost of ownership and support services from SAP while running both physical and virtual systems.

"SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications is the best solution for SAP customers implementing new SAP workloads, moving from more expensive UNIX to more cost-effective Linux environments, and migrating from less optimal Linux environments", said Joe Wagner, SVP and general manager of global alliances at Novell.

"Novell is delighted with the recent achievements of our partnership with SAP - together we have been able to provide our joint customers exceptional value."

SAP executives were equally delighted and commended SUSE Linux server for its proven performance and bang per buck.

"SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is a proven operating system that offers immediate time-to-value for our customers and partners," said Sanjay Katyal, VP of business development and strategic alliances, global ecosystem and channels at SAP.

"These new optimisations bring SAP customers a simpler and lower-cost way to run SAP applications on Linux, with automated installation capabilities and full support for SAP's in-memory solutions."

The optimisations in question relate to a wide range of SAPs applications, including SAP Business Suite software, Business All-in-One solutions, the SAP Netweaver Enterprise Search application, Netweaver Business Warehouse Accelerator and SAP Businessobjects Explorer software. Novell added that faster installation times had cut time to deploy down from days and weeks to just hours.

Perhaps importantly, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is the only commercial Linux distribution that is certified for deployment with SAP hardware and software based appliances. µ