Novell Introduces Linux Platform Optimized for Use With All SAP® Applications

WALTHAM, Mass., Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Novell today announced SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server for SAP® applications, which, for the first time, allows customers to run all SAP applications on the latest version of the industry's most interoperable, reliable and secure computing platform. With this release, customers can now consolidate all their SAP applications onto a single, reliable, SAP-certified and validated Linux* platform, optimized for physical and virtual mission-critical SAP software solutions, including appliances. As a result, SAP customers and partners benefit from faster installation, improved performance, lower total cost of ownership and additional enterprise support services for SAP applications and SUSE Linux Enterprise.

"SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is a proven operating system that offers immediate time-to-value for our customers and partners," said Sanjay Katyal, vice president, Business Development and Strategic Alliances, Global Ecosystem & Channels, SAP AG. "These new optimizations bring SAP customers a simpler and lower-cost way to run SAP applications on Linux, with automated installation capabilities and full support for SAP's in-memory solutions."

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP applications is the most recent milestone in the close collaboration between Novell and SAP AG (NYSE: SAP). Responding to the mission-critical requirements of today's data centers, Novell and SAP have worked to continuously optimize and validate SUSE Linux Enterprise for SAP applications. It is an ideal solution for organizations seeking to deploy SAP software solutions including SAP Business Suite software, SAP Business All-in-One solutions, the SAP NetWeaver® Enterprise Search application, SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse Accelerator (SAP NetWeaver BW Accelerator) software and SAP BusinessObjects™ Explorer software. In addition, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is the only commercial Linux distribution that is certified for deployment with SAP hardware and software-based appliances.

"Today's news demonstrates Novell's on-going commitment to provide the industry's most reliable and performance-optimized Linux platform for SAP mission-critical workloads," said Joe Wagner, senior vice president and general manager of Global Alliances at Novell. "SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications is the best solution for SAP customers implementing new SAP workloads, moving from more expensive UNIX to more cost-effective Linux environments, and migrating from less optimal Linux environments. Novell is delighted with the recent achievements of our partnership with SAP – together we have been able to provide our joint customers exceptional value."

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications

Based on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 SP1, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP applications offers an integrated and automated installation workflow for the complete software solution stack, support for large in-memory databases, a dedicated SAP update channel and integrated high availability and extended service pack overlap support.

Additional features include:

• Faster Installation to accelerate time to results. The ability to install and deploy both application and operating system within hours, rather than days or weeks. Also included is an installation framework that enables an integrated, unattended and automated installation process with interfaces which allow integration of third-party components.
• Built-in Business Continuity to protect critical business operations. With the SUSE Linux Enterprise High Availability Extension and robust high-availability clustering capabilities, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP applications is able to maintain business continuity, protect data integrity and reduce unplanned downtime for mission-critical Linux workloads.
• Maximized Support to lower cost of operations and ongoing maintenance, with the 18-month window to upgrade versus the standard six month window, offered by the Extended Service Pack Overlap Support options. The solution also includes a flexible interface that allows easy enablement of SAP components.

Industry Support

More independent software vendor (ISV) applications are certified and supported on SUSE Enterprise Linux Servers than any other enterprise Linux software platform. With SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP applications, ISVs can offer solutions that are optimized for all SAP workloads, providing unique features and services at a much lower price-point for the customer compared to other Linux vendors.

"Fujitsu and Novell have a long heritage of working together to deliver innovative IT infrastructure solutions for SAP applications. With SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP applications, Novell continues to differentiate itself in the SAP marketplace by offering the most in-demand technologies and building a strong partner ecosystem," said Rolf Strotmann, vice president of Enterprise Server and Software at Fujitsu Technology Solutions. "Fujitsu can maximize its customers' technology investments by making these available on an optimized Linux platform."

"IBM System x, Novell and SAP have a long history of technical innovation and collaboration," said Bob Galush, vice president, IBM System x High Volume Servers and Options. "Jointly, IBM, SAP and Novell have teamed to bring IBM System x and BladeCenter-based solutions to market. The addition of this latest release of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP applications is another milestone in our partnership. This offering enables our joint customers to take advantage of industry-leading System x and BladeCenter servers that are a SAP-certified platform optimized for mission-critical SAP software solutions."

Availability

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP applications is available now. For more details please visit http://www.novell.com/products/sles-for-sap.html.

About Novell

Novell, Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVL), a leader in intelligent workload management, helps organizations securely deliver and manage computing services across physical, virtual and cloud computing environments. We help customers reduce the cost, complexity, and risk associated with their IT systems through our solutions for identity and security, systems management, collaboration and Linux-based operating platforms. With our infrastructure software and ecosystem of partnerships, Novell integrates mixed IT environments, allowing people and technology to work as one. For more information, visit www.novell.com.

Copyright © 2011 Novell, Inc. All rights reserved. Novell, the Novell logo and the N logo are registered trademarks, and WorkloadIQ is a trademark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

SAP, SAP NetWeaver and all SAP logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries.

Business Objects, BusinessObjects and the Business Objects logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Business Objects in the United States and/or other countries.  Business Objects is an SAP company.

*All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SAP Forward-looking Statement

Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.

SOURCE Novell, Inc.