Today is an historic day for Novell, our customers and our partners. We just launched SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 – the Platform for the Open Enterprise.In doing so, we are delivering on our promises and offering customers the first real enterprise wide Linux solution from the “desktop to data center”. And by the way, the first real alternative to Microsoft on the business desktop. The reaction of the press, the analysts, and those who tested the pre-release version has been nothing short of astounding.
We are enormously proud of all the teams at Novell who made this happen, and we are particularly appreciative of the participation of open source developers around the world who contribute to openSUSE and build the foundations for our enterprise products. The open source community should be very proud of this product launch: it has your fingerprints all over it.
SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 delivers affordable innovation. The innovation embedded in both the server and desktop releases is in direct response to market feedback and client needs. For instance:
Throughout the SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 platform, we took the best of the open source community and made it ready for the enterprise. On the server, we’re delivering virtualization TODAY. Six months ahead of our nearest competitor. Security – integrated and easy to use and deploy through our integration of AppArmor into the distribution. The management tools to bring it all together. Integrated and intuitive. As Network Computing Magazine said in a recent review, “Linux without Tears”.
On the desktop, InfoWorld Magazine said “Novell hits a home run with SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10”. We appreciate the kind words. SLED 10 delivers innovation in a number of new and exiting ways. When you try SLED10, you’ll marvel at the intuitive usability of the desktop. It’s intuitive because it reflects hundreds of hours of feedback and usability testing by folks like you and me. You’ll know it works, but you won’t be sure why. It just makes sense. Take, for instance, the integrated search we’ve deployed with Beagle. Or the seamless integration and interoperability of OpenOffice with your proprietary office suite. Or the new desktop graphics that aren’t just cool but useful for managing multiple open sessions. Did I mention that all the above is offered at 1/10 the list price of the most common proprietary OS and Office Suite. Value AND innovation.
What about device driver support? With the new device driver process in SUSE Linux Enterprise 10, we’ve eliminated the middle man when it comes time for you to update your hardware. Now you can go straight to the hardware vendors website, download the latest device drivers and SUSE Linux Enterprise will install them automatically.
Finally, we’re also introducing the Novell Customer Center, an intuitive online interface for our customers to manage all business and technical interactions with Novell. Now from one location, you’ll be able to review the status of your Novell products, subscriptions and services, as well as receive critical Linux updates and support.
As excited as we all are at Novell about today’s release, we know that not everyone is ready or requires Linux in their enterprise. That’s ok. For those of you who we’re waiting for an enterprise class Linux infrastructure that you could deploy throughout your infrastructure, your wait is over. You’ll be hearing a lot more about SUSE Linue Enterprise 10 in the weeks and months ahead. We’ll be showcasing the product at Linux World Expo in San Francisco in mid August.
Your Linux is Ready and it’s called SUSE Linux Enterprise 10.
Thank you and enjoy.
