SUSE Releases Update to SUSE Linux Enterprise Point of Service

NUREMBERG, Germany, March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SUSE today announced the general availability of SUSE® Linux Enterprise Point of Service 11 Service Pack 2 (SP2). Built using the recently announced SUSE Linux Enterprise 11 SP2 platform, SUSE Linux Enterprise Point of Service is the only managed client-server Linux solution available in the market today that has been specifically tailored for the unique needs of the retail industry. New features in this latest update help IT administrators enhance overall store operations and improve customer satisfaction.

SUSE Linux Enterprise Point of Service includes a centralized directory-based administration server and point of service (POS) branch servers, as well as tools and templates to easily create, roll out and maintain operating system images for a wide variety of POS devices.  By using SUSE Linux Enterprise Point of Service 11 SP2, retailers can reduce in-store and data center costs while increasing security and reliability.

Security enhancements include full disk encryption on terminals for both data and root partitions, making it easier for administrators to build Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) compliant systems. Additionally, IT administrators can use the integrated Subscription Management Tool to centrally manage software updates within the firewall on a per-system basis and help maintain corporate security policies and regulatory compliance, while also tracking entitlements across large deployments.

Reliability enhancements include RAID 1 support (redundant array of independent disks) on the image-based terminals. Now SUSE Linux Enterprise Point of Service Pre-boot Execution Environment (PXE) images can be mirrored on each terminal to improve performance while increasing resiliency and availability. SUSE Linux Enterprise Point of Service 11 SP2 also supports the storage of previous image versions and all related configuration files, including custom PXE boot configurations from a POS terminal, so administrators can roll back system configuration changes if needed, improving resiliency and service availability. An updated version of the KIWI imaging suite streamlines deployment and management of retail-specific operating system images onto branch servers and POS devices, enabling retailers to easily build and reliably manage images for a wide variety of devices and configurations.

"SUSE Linux Enterprise Point of Service gives retailers a competitive advantage by reducing total cost of ownership and improving quality of service. Our retail customers are able to provide richer customer experiences, accelerate customer checkout, respond quickly to customer needs and work more efficiently with partners to enhance overall store operations," said Meike Chabowski, product marketing manager, SUSE. "This is why nearly 70 percent of US Fortune 100 general merchandisers, specialty retailers, and food and drug stores use SUSE Linux Enterprise, including National Vision, Coop and Walgreens." 

Learn More
More information about SUSE Linux Enterprise Point of Service can be found at http://www.suse.com/products/linuxpointofservice/

About SUSE
SUSE is a leading provider of enterprise Linux solutions that help companies increase agility, reduce cost and manage complexity.  With a portfolio centered on SUSE Linux Enterprise, the most interoperable platform for mission-critical computing, SUSE enables organizations to confidently deliver computing services across physical, virtual and cloud environments.  With our award-winning products and ecosystem of partnerships, SUSE solutions empower thousands of organizations around the world. For more information, visit us at www.suse.com.  

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SOURCE SUSE