Which Novell Linux do you need: SUSE Linux Enterprise or openSUSE?
Compare Features and Benefits
To many observers, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and openSUSE (formerly SUSE Linux) appear to offer very similar features. So the question often arises "Which one should I choose?"
The answer is quite straightforward. If you are a business looking to deploy a hardened, supported operating system that is capable of running corporate IT applications, then SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is the right choice. If, however, you are a Linux enthusiast looking to evaluate some of the latest "bleeding edge" Linux technologies (perhaps not quite ready for prime time) then openSUSE (formerly known as Professional) would better suit your needs.
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is Supported (what that really means)
It's easy to say that the key difference between the version is that SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is supported, and openSUSE is not. But it's important to understand what that really means to appreciate the difference. Let's take a look at what it means to you when a world-class corporation like Novell stands behind a product like SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server passes through rigorous quality assurance procedures before it is released. These test include months of regression testing of the open source projects included in the distribution, months of performing test cases of 3rd-party applications like Oracle and SAP, months of hardware tests on all the major processor architectures. All with purpose of delivering an operating system of the utmost stability and reliability.
"Support" is a guarantee that right from the start if you have issues with installation you can call.
"Support" is also a guarantee that certified hardware has been rigorously tested to work with the operating system. (And if it doesn't work, you have the right to place a support call.)
Similarly "support" also means that 3rd-party applications like Oracle or SAP have also been certified to work with the distribution. Again if you find this not to be the case, you again have the right to place a support call. (Check the Partner Product Guide to find applications that are certified to work with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.)
Once your system is up and running, "support" means that you are entitled to automatically receive OS updates via the SUSE Linux Portal for the length of your subscription, ensuring that your operating system maintains its superior levels of reliability and performance. During this time, should a security vulnerability be discovered and a patch produced, "support" ensures that you automatically get that patch too!
Finally "support" also ensures that any Novell training or consulting offerings that are available have been developed specifically for the hardened, stable, and tested platform.
So support doesn't just mean telephone technical support. It means you've got Novell on your side.
Comparing SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and openSUSE
Here's a look at the different features and benefits you'll find in the two versions.
| SUSE Linux Enterprise Server | openSUSE | |
| Products |
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 |
openSUSE |
| Target users | IT professionals looking for a hardened, supported Linux platform | Linux technical enthusiasts, or community developers |
| Release Strategy | 18-24 months | Six months |
| Technical Support | 60-day installation support, plus comprehensive optional support offerings, available in flexible configurations | 60-day install only |
| Printed Manuals | Yes | Yes |
| Security Patches | Yes | Limited availability |
| Software and Driver Updates | Yes | No |
| Update Protection | Yes | No |
| Service Pack Availability | Yes | No |
| ISV Certifications | Yes | No |
| IHV Certifications | Yes | No |
| Indemnification | Yes | No |
| Lifecycle Guarantee | Yes: Seven years* | No |
| Training | Yes | No |
| Consulting | Yes | No |
*Platform is guaranteed for five years from date of general availability.
Talk to a Sales Rep today about SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. 