openSUSE 11.1
Comparative Features and Benefits
Novell provides enterprise Linux operating systems, including SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop for businesses that need a hardened, supported operating system for running IT infrastructure and corporate applications.
For users outside the enterprise environment, Novell provides openSUSE—an excellent Linux distribution for users who are new to Linux, and for experienced Linux users who want to ride the leading edge of open source software.
Although not intended for business deployments, openSUSE 11.1 is the foundation for future enterprise releases, and it provides corporate evaluators with an excellent first look at technologies such as Xen (virtualization), OpenOffice.org (productivity suite), Compiz Fusion (3D desktop acceleration), Beagle (desktop search) and Mono (open source development environment). See the future today in openSUSE 11.1! The following table outlines the differences between Novell enterprise products and the openSUSE distribution.
The following table outlines the differences between Novell enterprise products and the openSUSE distribution.
| SUSE Linux Enterprise | openSUSE | |
| Products | SUSE Linux Enterprise Server SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop |
openSUSE retail box |
| Target segments | IT buyers looking for a hardened, supported Linux platform backed by a reliable product release cycle | Personal users, Linux enthusiasts and contributors |
| Distribution channels | Direct, channel, OEM | Retail, openSUSE.org website |
| Release cycle | 18–24 months | 8 months |
| Technical support | Comprehensive support options, available in flexible configurations | 90-day install only, plus community support via openSUSE mailing lists, forums and IRC |
| Security patches | Yes | Yes |
| Software and driver updates | Yes | No |
| Update protection | Yes | No |
| Service-pack availability | Yes | No |
| ISV certifications | Yes | No |
| Hardware certifications | Yes | No |
| Indemnification | Yes | No |
| Lifecycle guarantee | Yes—seven years from date of general availability | No |
| Printed manuals | No | Yes—Getting Started Guide |
| Training | Yes | No |
| Consulting | Yes | No |