Voluntary Product Accessibility Template

Date: August 12, 2004
Name of Product: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9
Version: 9
Product Web Site: www.novell.com/products/linuxenterpriseserver/

Those with questions concerning the accessibility of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 should contact the Novell office in their region. For a list of worldwide offices, please visit www.novell.com/company/contact.html

About this Document:
The statements in this VPAT apply to core functionality of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 only. Support for accessibility functionality is enhanced by using software such as BLINUX (included) and third-party assistive technology including braille displays.**


Summary Table: Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)
Criteria Supporting Features Remarks and explanations
Section 1194.21 Software Applications and Operating Systems See section 1194.21 below.  
Section 1194.22 Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications N/A SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 is not considered a web-based product.
Section 1194.23 Telecommunications Products N/A SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 is not considered a telecommunications product.
Section 1194.24 Video and Multi-media Products N/A
 SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 does not use multimedia except as covered in section 1194.21.
Section 1194.25 Self-Contained, Closed Products N/A SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 is not a self-contained product.
Section 1194.26 Desktop and Portable Computers N/A SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 is software as defined under section 1194.21.
Section 1194.31 Functional Performance Criteria See section 1194.31 below.
  
Section 1194.41 Information, Documentation and Support See section 1194.41 below.
  
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Section 1194.21 Software Applications and Operating Systems - Detail
Criteria Supporting Features Remarks and explanations
(a) When software is designed to run on a system that has a keyboard, product functions shall be executable from a keyboard where the function itself or the result of performing a function can be discerned textually. Supported

Support for command-line interface with assistive technology. Graphical interfaces offer limited functionality. See 1194.31 (a) below.
(b) Applications shall not disrupt or disable activated features of other products that are identified as accessibility features, where those features are developed and documented according to industry standards. Applications also shall not disrupt or disable activated features of any operating system that are identified as accessibility features where the application programming interface for those accessibility features has been documented by the manufacturer of the operating system and is available to the product developer. Supported

Support for command-line interface with assistive technology. Graphical interfaces offer limited functionality. See 1194.31 (a) below.
(c) A well-defined on-screen indication of the current focus shall be provided that moves among interactive interface elements as the input focus changes. The focus shall be programmatically exposed so that Assistive Technology can track focus and focus changes. Supported Support for command-line interface with assistive technology. Graphical interfaces offer limited functionality. See 1194.31 (a) below.
(d) Sufficient information about a user interface element including the identity, operation and state of the element shall be available to Assistive Technology. When an image represents a program element, the information conveyed by the image must also be available in text. Supported with exceptions. Interface elements are accessible in command-line mode with assistive technology. Command-line interface does not include images. Graphical interfaces offer limited functionality. See 1194.31 (a) below.
(e) When bitmap images are used to identify controls, status indicators, or other programmatic elements, the meaning assigned to those images shall be consistent throughout an application's performance. Supported with exceptions. Command-line interface does not include images. Graphical interfaces offer limited functionality. See 1194.31 (a) below.
(f) Textual information shall be provided through operating system functions for displaying text. The minimum information that shall be made available is text content, text input caret location, and text attributes. Supported Support for command-line interface with assistive technology. Graphical interfaces offer limited functionality. See 1194.31 (a) below.
(g) Applications shall not override user selected contrast and color selections and other individual display attributes. Supported Support for command-line interface with assistive technology. Graphical interfaces offer limited functionality. See 1194.31 (a) below.
(h) When animation is displayed, the information shall be displayable in at least one non-animated presentation mode at the option of the user. Supported Command-line interface does not include animation. Graphical interfaces offer limited functionality. See 1194.31 (a) below.
(i) Color coding shall not be used as the only means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element. Supported Support for command-line interface with assistive technology. Graphical interfaces offer limited functionality. See 1194.31 (a) below.
(j) When a product permits a user to adjust color and contrast settings, a variety of color selections capable of producing a range of contrast levels shall be provided. Supported with exceptions Support for command-line interface with assistive technology. Graphical interfaces offer limited functionality. See 1194.31 (a) below.
(k) Software shall not use flashing or blinking text, objects, or other elements having a flash or blink frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz. Supported Support for command-line interface with assistive technology. Graphical interfaces offer limited functionality. See 1194.31 (a) below.
(l) When electronic forms are used, the form shall allow people using Assistive Technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues. Supported Support for command-line interface with assistive technology. Graphical interfaces offer limited functionality. See 1194.31 (a) below.
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Section 1194.22 Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 is not considered a web-based product.

Section 1194.23 Telecommunications Products
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 is not considered a telecommunication product.


Section 1194.24 Video and Multi-media Products
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 does not use multimedia except as covered in section 1194.21.


Section 1194.25 Self-Contained, Closed Products
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 is not considered a self-contained product.


Section 1194.26 Desktop and Portable Computers
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 is software as defined under section 1194.21.


Section 1194.31 Functional Performance Criteria - Detail
Criteria Supporting Features Remarks and explanations
(a) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user vision shall be provided, or support for Assistive Technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired shall be provided. Supported with minor exceptions (via compatibility with third-party screen reader utilities)*

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 is compatible with commonly used assistive technologies.

Command-LIne Interface:
Fully accessible using the Blinux screen reader in conjuction with braille display; limited functionality using Blinux without braille display.
http://leb.net/blinux/

GNOME Graphical Interface:
Limited functionality using Gnopernicus screen reader.
http://developer.gnome.org/projects/gap/AT/Gnopernicus/

KDE Graphical Interface:
Largely inaccessible at this time; efforts continue at the KDE Accessibility Project.

Users of assistive technology should contact their assistive technology vendor to assess the compatibility of specific assistive technology with Novell products and to learn how to adjust their settings to optimize interoperability.**
(b) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require visual acuity greater than 20/70 shall be provided in audio and enlarged print output working together or independently, or support for Assistive Technology used by people who are visually impaired shall be provided. Supported with minor exceptions (via compatibility with third-party screen reader utilities)* Support for Assistive Technology as described in 1194.31 (a)
(c) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user hearing shall be provided, or support for Assistive Technology used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing shall be provided Supported
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 does not require user hearing for access to any application functionality.		  
(d) Where audio information is important for the use of a product, at least one mode of operation and information retrieval shall be provided in an enhanced auditory fashion, or support for assistive hearing devices shall be provided. Supported
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 does not require user hearing for access to any application functionality.		  
(e) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user speech shall be provided, or support for Assistive Technology used by people with disabilities shall be provided. Supported
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 does not require speech recognition.		  
(f) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous actions and that is operable with limited reach and strength shall be provided. Supported with minor exceptions (via compatibility with third-party screen reader utilities)*  
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Section 1194.41 Information, Documentation and Support - Detail
Criteria Supporting Features Remarks and explanations
(a) Product support documentation provided to end-users shall be made available in alternate formats upon request, at no additional charge. Supported Novell makes its documentation available in variety of formats at www.novell.com/documentation

 Documentation is provided in HTML, and can be converted to other formats as needed.
(b) End-users shall have access to a description of the accessibility and compatibility features of products in alternate formats or alternate methods upon request, at no additional charge. Supported  
(c) Support services for products shall accommodate the communication needs of end-users with disabilities. Supported Novell’s support services accommodates voice communications and email communications, both of which are operable by persons with disabilities. Support personnel are familiar with such features as keyboard access and other options important to people with disabilities.
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*Novell testing indicates that the exceptions noted are not significantly disruptive to product functionality.  In some instances, functionality described is accessible through equivalent, alternative means, via the keyboard utilizing standard menu options.

**There is a lag between Novell's software release date and the time it takes for some Assistive Technology manufacturers to upgrade their software and device drivers to support these new releases. The manufacturer’s porting timeframe may be a factor in determining when you decide to upgrade.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Novell, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents or use of this document, and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Novell does not warrant that this document is error-free.  Further, Novell reserves the right to revise this document and make changes to its content, at any time, without obligation to notify any person or entity of such revision or changes.  No contractual obligations or commitments are formed either directly or indirectly by this document.  Novell periodically provides new information about the accessibility of products as that information becomes available.