| Novell, IBM partner on integrated Linux server stack |
Oct. 18, 2006
Let's say you own a small to medium sized business, and you want to use Linux, but you're not crazy about the idea of mixing and matching software and servers. If that's you, Novell and IBM want to talk to you about their new Integrated Stack for SUSE Linux Enterprise.
This new package combines the SLES (SUSE Linux Enterprise Server) 10 with a mixture of open and proprietary IBM software that runs on top of either IBM System x (previously xServers) or BladeCenter servers. These are low-priced AMD Opteron and Intel Pentium IV and Xeon-based servers. With this package, an SMB (small or medium-sized business) can get file and print, web application, and database functionality all in one package.
Integrated Stack for SUSE Linux Enterprise
(Click to enlarge)
Specifically, customers the package is said to include:- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10
- IBM WebSphere Application Server Community Edition, a J2EE (Java 2 Enterprise Edition) application server based on Apache Geronimo technology
- IBM DB2 Express-C, previously codenamed 'Viper,' this is a hybrid database server that supports both relational and pureXML storage
- Centeris Likewise Management Suite 2.0, which provides tools for managing firewalls, SSH (Secure Shell) console connections, a dashboard with system status information, a new interface for managing users and groups, and support for direct editing of network settings; it can also work with existing AD (Active Directory) networks
According to Roger Levy, VP and general manager of Novell's Open Platform Solutions, "With this integrated solution, customers can rapidly deploy a platform for databases and running custom-built applications."
This "Lets customers bring the flexibility of Linux into their IT environment and quickly reduce costs. Because of the inherent interoperability of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, customers can simply and seamlessly plug the Integrated Stack for SUSE Linux Enterprise into their existing infrastructure, including a Windows environment," continued Levy.
Jeff Smith, IBM vice president of Open Source and Linux Middleware, said, "The Integrated Stack for SUSE Linux Enterprise uses software and systems from IBM to let small and medium businesses run Web, database, file and print servers more cost effectively."
Specifically, according to IBM's data, the Novell/IBM software solution for Licensing and a year of support for 100 Users and a 2-CPU Server would cost $13,867, compared to $20,990 for the Microsoft equivalent. Of course, if you want to do it with your own in-house support, then the price difference becomes much more dramatic. In that case, your only costs would be the upfront price of $349.
Gordon Haff, principal IT advisor for Illuminate, thinks this is a natural move for Novell.
"SMB is an area that all the big vendors are looking to for growth. It's also an arena however Microsoft has had a great deal of its historical success--in no small part because, for better or worse, its products tend to be highly integrated and therefore often easier to deploy as a single package. Linux, true to its Unix roots, has tended to be far more a collection of piece parts, which makes it flexible but also demands a certain level of skill to assemble. I see packages like this as trying to offer a Linux choice that has that higher level of integration that often appeal to SMBs," said Haff.
The package will be available from both IBM and Novell channel partners. The partners can, in turn, offer the flexibility to choose the components they'd like to deploy
and help SMBs integrate the Linux servers into existing Windows environments.
Further details are on Novell's integrated stack website.
-- Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed