SuSE eyes the corporate desktop

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 9 Jun 2003 at 15:24

SuSE has launched a desktop version of its SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8, due to demand from public sector organisations throughout Europe.

'We've had a desktop strategy for about six months now,' a SuSE spokesperson told us. 'We've had customers already interested in moving to a Linux desktop but the timing has to be right before one could look at mass-deployment.' Those customers are mainly from the public sector, we were told, where meeting budgets is pushing these organisations to look at less-expensive alternatives to Microsoft.

The reason for keeping the baying customers on tenterhooks for half a year was not simply market timing, rather it allowed SuSE's R&D team enough time to come up with a well-rounded product, we were told.

To that end, beyond the benefits of sharing the same code-base as SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8, such as longer release cycle (there's guaranteed support for that version for five years), the desktop edition has capabilities strictly its own.

These include lock-down capabilities so that system administrators can prevent end-users installing any software or messing about with the configuration. There are also remote installation capabilities and moving across to a SuSE corporate desktop can be done piece-meal rather than in one broad sweep.

WIth the inclusion of Sun's Star Office and Open Office, familiar productivity applications are present and correct. Additionally, it is possible to stick with the familiar - CodeWeaver's Crossover Office allows the seamless integration of Microsoft Office applications. IBM's Lotus Notes also sits comfortably on the SuSE desktop.

Support for Agfa Monotype fonts will also go a long way to ensure that Microsoft Office-produced documents look the same on paper as they do on screen.

Licences cost at £75 for the installation media kit, plus five maintenance licences with a total price of £335 and valid for 12 months. Further discounts are possible in greater volumes. Each licence offers a year's updates and fixes and there are further support options if required.

While SuSE expects the main thrust of demand rto come from adopters of SuSE server offerings, there's nothing to stop cost-conscious organisations from rolling out the desktop client across legacy server systems of all flavours.

UK customers clamouring for the Desktop version, according to SuSE, include Nottingham City Council and Central Scotland Police. In Germany, SuSE's heartland, the company is hoping to get a look at contracts from the City of Munich, which has recently announced it will move to Linux. Our SuSE spokesperson tells us the company expects to be a 'likely candidate'.

In March, Red Hat announced versions of its enterprise server for departmental and work station environments, and most Linux distros have a personal edition aimed at indiviuals, but SuSE Desktop looks for the moment to be pretty unique in addressing the individual terminals of the SME and enterprise corporates.