Author: JT Smith
applications with kernel 2.4, HiperSockets support, Logical Volume Manager and
Journaling Filesystem.”SuSE Linux, the international Open
Source technology leader and solutions provider, announced the release of SuSE
Linux Enterprise Server 7 for S/390, the latest version of its server operating
system for deployment in enterprise mainframes. Based on kernel 2.4, this SuSE
server version now supports S/390 servers as well as IBM eServer zSeries z900.
Extremely failsafe and high performing, IBM mainframes are the ideal solution for
running mission-critical applications such as the administration of complex
e-business transactions. SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for S/390 excellently
matches IBM’s hardware as the perfect medium for consolidated server services
on IBM mainframes, e.g. for intranet and Internet services as well as database
applications. Additionally, the SuSE Maintenance Service keeps the operating
system in a secure, stable, and tested state for at least 24 months of guaranteed
investment security.
“More and more of our customers are turning to server consolidation as a means
of reducing expenses and improving the reliability, security and flexibility of their
enterprise systems. ” said Rich Lechner, vice president, Marketing and Sales, IBM
eServer zSeries. ” SuSE provides our customers with more choices in optimizing
operating efficiency and leveraging the rapidly growing set of Linux solutions.”
Expanded System
Functionality Compared to its predecessor, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for
S/390 boasts a number of improvements: SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for
S/390 is the first server operating system to fully support HiperSockets, a new
high-performance feature unique to IBM eServer zSeries, thus substantially
accelerating the speed of the data transfer between virtual servers in the
mainframe. As the host operating system z/OS also supports HiperSockets, data
exchange between SuSE Linux and z/OS is possible with maximum bandwidth and
near-zero latency. SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for S/390 now also supports
the journaling filesystem ReiserFS. Especially data entities containing large
numbers of small files benefit from the efficiency and performance of ReiserFS.
Also new: the network and disk device configuration can now be modified
dynamically without a reboot. The Logical Volume Manager allows the
runtime-integration of dynamically attached storage devices into existing virtual
volumes of almost arbitrary size, delivering practically unlimited disk space without
downtime.
Investment Security
Included With at least 24 months of maintenance, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 7
for S/390 guarantees long-term planning and investment security and ensures the
stability and up-to-date state of the operating system basis. Improvements in the
fields of security, performance, and usability are first subjected to an extensive
quality check, especially with regard to certifications of ISV solutions. Within a
short time, these improvements are made available exclusively on the SuSE
Maintenance Web through well-documented patches, fixes, and updates. Users
are regularly notified regarding the availability of such files and receive update
CDs with important improvements every three months. Moreover, SuSE experts
provide assistance for the installation of the patches, fixes, and updates. In
addition to this service, SuSE offers individual assistance for the integration of
new patches into the existing system and for the ongoing system operation. The
optional SuSE Linux Premier Software Support even includes selected
applications. The rail freight company Transtar is developing a real-time tracking
system on SuSE Linux Enterprise Server for S/390, and thus, provides online
freight information to employees and customers.
“The SuSE people have been extremely helpful and responsive in assisting us
whenever needed, via telephone, email, and in-house training sessions,” explains
Tom Pajak, Senior Manager Information Support at Transtar. “The success of this
endeavor is undeniably important to our entire company, and we feel that we have
made the correct choice, with the most flexibility for our long-term needs.”
The cross-platform availability enables companies to integrate SuSE Linux on all
systems in their IT environment – from PC clients to powerful host systems – and to
continue to work under accustomed system conditions. A wide range of supported
hardware, including notebooks and servers based on IA32, IA64, Sparc,
PowerPC, IBM eServer pSeries, IBM eServer iSeries, as well as the latest
high-performance mainframes from IBM, predestines SuSE Linux as the operating
system of choice for professional deployment. SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for
S/390 comes on 2 CDs together with a manual, a developer’s kit with more than
1,300 applications on 5 CDs, and 30 days of expanded support. The free system
maintenance for 12 months includes the quarterly dispatch of an update CD
containing the documented and quality-checked fixes, patches, and updates, as
well as the accompanying installation support from the SuSE experts.
SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for S/390 will be available from the end of
November from SuSE and SuSE Linux Enterprise Partners. Prices start at US $
4,500. For more details, please check http://s390.suse.com
For inquiries to the SuSE experts, please feel free to contact
S390-sales@suse.com
About SuSE
SuSE Linux is one of the world’s leading providers of complete solutions based on
the Open Source operating system Linux. In addition to operating systems and
application software for private customers, SuSE offers software solutions and
complete systems for the deployment of Linux in companies. SuSE supports its
enterprise customers with a comprehensive range of qualified consulting, training,
and support services. The company, which hosts the world’s largest development
team for Open Source solutions, has made its unique project and support
know-how accessible via the Internet in the largest existing Linux knowledge
database. Further information on SuSE can be found at http://www.suse.com
