05/03/2002 —

Oakland, California, April 30, 2002 Today, SUSE Linux, the international Open Source technology leader and solutions provider, announced the shipment of the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for 64-bit IBM eServer zSeries. This release shows SUSE's continuing commitment to deliver the broadest range of enterprise ready Linux solutions.

This latest addition to the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server family perfectly matches IBM mainframes as the ideal solution for running mission-critical applications, e.g. complex e-business transactions and ERP systems. One of the first applications to make use of this new 64-bit environment will be the mySAP.com e-business platform on Linux for the IBM eServer zSeries, which will be made available for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for zSeries by the end of May.

With the release of the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for 64-bit zSeries, SUSE leads in delivering scalable Linux solutions. Through our technical innovation and close links with the IBM development teams, we have taken Linux to the next level of real enterprise computing, said Boris Nalbach, CTO of SUSE Linux AG. The high-end technology of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, combined with the included maintenance program, provides our customers a robust and reliable working environment.

"IBM eServer zSeries running SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 provides an industrial strength solution for mission-critical e-business applications," said Joann Duguid, director of Linux Marketing, IBM eServer zSeries.

*** Unique technologies for substantial performance increases

Building on the previously delivered features, such as the Logical Volume Manager and the Journaling Reiser File System, the 64-bit SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for zSeries offers even more unique features:

- Hipersockets within an LPAR, z/VM 4.2 and as virtual VM Guest LAN in z/VM increases performance by minimizing access latency and maximizes performance for communication with other Mainframe Services such as DB2 Databases. This results in the best possible response times for end users.

- Hardware Cryptography Support using the IBM Crypto Co-processors and PCI CryptoAccelerator Cards for IBM Middleware through the PKCS11 API, providing access for secure Linux applications.

- Seamless 31-bit compatibility: This feature requires no complex setup tasks for administrators to install 31-bit applications and users to run them on the 64-bit zSeries. In addition, 64-bit applications can interact with 31-bit applications and vice versa without any specific setup or even knowing whether the other application is installed as 31-bit or 64-bit application.

Some of these features are delivered only as binary code and are included in the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server to ensure all of the functions are available immediately, without additional recourse to various websites to download them.

*** Integrated Investment Protection Through Ongoing System Maintenance

For enterprises that depend on their IBM zSeries, the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for zSeries delivers reliable, scalable computing combined with a guarantee that it will be actively maintained and supported for at least 2 years from general availability. Combined with the recently announced joint agreement with IBM Global Services, the broadest range of services are now available to support SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, matched to the most critical requirements. With global, 24 x 7 support, many enterprises are now exploring how they can best use the power and flexibility of the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for zSeries.

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for 64-bit IBM eServer zSeries builds on the previously announced IBM eServer xSeries, iSeries, pSeries, and zSeries offerings, and sees IBM and SUSE deliver more real Linux solutions for businesses of all sizes. Companies can use SUSE's Linux systems as a single enterprise platform for all types of hardware, from PC clients to powerful host systems. This enables a uniform, rational, and cost-effective administration of heterogeneous networks.

The SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for 64-bit zSeries is priced both on the basis of zSeries hardware models and the number of processors for use under und Linux. Prices start at USD 14,500 for a single processor. Local sales taxes apply to these prices.

More details can be found at http://www.suse.de/en/products/suse_business/sles/sles_s390/index.html

The SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server comes with an unprecedented full-service offer of an unmatched quality. Release cycles of one year guarantee long term planning security. Combined with the ongoing system development and integrated maintenance of the respective release for a period adapted to customer needs, SUSE ensures investment security, thus meeting the IT requirements of medium-scale businesses as well as large-scale enterprise computing.

The integrated maintenance makes sure that SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is always in an up-to-date, stable, and tested state. Within the scope of SuSE Linux Enterprise Server maintenance, SUSE delivers all required patches, fixes and updates in a tested, quality-assured, and well-documented state for a period of at least two years. This makes sure that the operating system basis SUSE Linux is always as secure and powerful as on the day it was first installed.

About SuSE SUSE Linux is the international technology leader and solutions provider in Open Source operating system software. SUSE's unique expertise in Linux and its largest development team worldwide dedicated to Open Source software has contributed to the recognition of SUSE as the most complete Linux solution available today. SUSE Linux is a privately held company focused entirely on supporting the Linux community and Open Source development. For more information, Please visit www.suse.com.

SUSE is a registered trademark of SUSE Linux AG. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

The IBM eServer brand consists of the established IBM e-business logo with the descriptive term "server" following it. The IBM e-business logo and iSeries are trademarks or registered trademarks of the IBM Corporation.

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