IBM DB2 Universal Database 7.2 and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server = SUSE Linux Database Server

LinuxWorldExpo, San Francisco, Calif. — 08/29/2001 — Today, SuSE Linux, the international technology leader and solutions provider in open source, announced that SUSE Linux Database Server combines the operating system platform of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server with IBM's DB2 Database to form a complete solution for professional users. In mid September, SUSE Linux will present an updated version of the solution package.

The SUSE Linux Database Server joins the stability and security of SuSE Linux Enterprise Server with the performance and reliability of DB2. Similar to SUSE Linux, DB2 also supports the widest variety of hardware architectures. This combination is ideal for the implementation of very large databases on various hardware architectures, as well as for data exchange between a variety of platforms.

"We're very excited that SUSE has selected DB2 as the database of choice for its customers," said Jim Kelly, vice president of marketing, IBM Data Management Solutions. "DB2 is an increasingly popular choice for business-critical applications, as it provides the greatest scalability of any database running on Linux today. With SUSE this is another opportunity for customers to continue to benefit from IBM's expertise with Linux."

Gmünder ErsatzKasse (GEK), one of Germany's largest national health insurance companies, is one of the many users of SUSE Linux Database Server. GEK currently maintains the customer data of 1.4 million insurants in an IBM DB2 Database on S/390 mainframe system from IBM. Two SUSE Linux Database Servers with DB2 Universal Database Workgroup Edition (UDB) on Compaq hardware make these data available for registered users on the Internet portal myGEK. Expressing his confidence, myGEK project manager Clemens Weller remarked: "Running severe security tests, our IT environment passed brilliantly. SUSE Linux as a stable, reliable, and secure operating system in connection with the IBM DB2 database solution was the right decision."

As the core foundation of high-profile e-commerce, CRM- (Customer Relationship Management), BI- (Business Intelligence) and ERP applications (Enterprise Resource Planning) the SUSE Linux Database Server offers a scalable architecture for customers that want to expand the infrastructure as their business grows. Additionally, DB2, which supports small PC databases to terabyte-scale data warehouses, ensures maximum flexibility.

IBM's DB2 supports all common Internet standards, as well as data types such as images, videos, audio files and text documents. Tight integration with WebSphere, the new XML Extender, and integrated Java support facilitate the deployment of e-business applications. DB2 Net SearchExtender accelerates the process of searching text data for words, sentences, fuzzy matches, and allows use of wildcards. Thus, employees have quick access to central company information even when on the road.

Double Choice: Workgroup Edition or Internet Edition

Apart from SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, the "Workgroup Edition" of SuSE Linux Database Server comes with a multiple-workstation version of the DB2 database for applications and data that are jointly used by a workgroup or department over a PC-based LAN. The "Internet Edition" delivers stored information available to an unlimited number of users over the Internet. The respective Open Source and Linux program packages were specifically adapted and optimized for operation with IBM's DB2.

Scope of Delivery - Workgroup Edition

• 1 SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
• DB2 Universal Database Workgroup Edition (1 "Administration Client" license)
• 30 days of installation and configuration support
• 12 months of maintenance support (security patches for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, the latest fix packs for DB2 Universal Database 7.2, including support for installing the maintenance CDs)

Recommended retail price: US$ 1.690,00+ VAT

Scope of Delivery - Internet Edition

• 1 SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
• DB2 Universal Database Internet Edition (1 "Administration Client" license, unlimited users Internet access)
• 30 days of installation and configuration support
• 12 months of maintenance support (security patches for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, the latest fix packs for DB2 Universal Database 7.2, including support for installing the maintenance CDs)

Recommended retail price: US$ 5.390,00 + VAT

Both versions will be available directly from SUSE in mid September 2001.

About Novell
Novell, Inc. is a leading provider of information solutions that deliver secure identity management (Novell® Nsure™), Web application development (Novell exteNd™) and cross-platform networking services (Novell Nterprise™), all supported by strategic consulting and professional services (Novell NgageSM). Active in the open source community with its Ximian and SUSE Linux brands, Novell is firmly committed to open source and offers comprehensive Linux products and services for the enterprise, from the desktop to the server. Novell's vision of one Net - a world without information boundaries - helps customers realize the value of their information securely and economically. For more information, call Novell's Customer Response Center at (888) 321-4CRC (4272) or visit http://www.novell.com. Press should visit http://www.novell.com/pressroom.

Novell is a registered trademarks; Nsure, exteNd and Nteprise are trademarks; and Ngage is a service mark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SUSE is a registered trademark of SUSE Linux AG. * All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Press Contact:
Jasmin Ul-Haque
Novell, Inc
Phone: +44 (0)1344 326-900
E-mail: juh@novell.com