SuSE Linux develops Linux desktops for enterprises

Nuremberg 29 October 2002 Starting January 2003, small and medium-scale enterprises will be able to migrate to Linux on desktops using the "SuSE Linux Office Desktop". "SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop", a Linux version optimised for desktop deployment in large-scale enterprises, is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2003.

"In numerous desktop projects during the past years, we gained insight into the various needs of enterprises", explained Petra Heinrich, VP Qualified User at SuSE Linux. "The clear increase in the customer demand for corporate Linux desktop solutions has confirmed our conviction that the time has come to carry the accumulated experience to the market in the form of desktop products tuned to the needs of our target groups."

The first element of SuSE's product campaign for the utilisation of Linux on workstations will be available January 2003. Using SuSE Linux Office Desktop, small companies as well as private users without any previous Linux experience, will be able to utilise the stability and security of Linux on the desktop. In addition, SuSE Linux Office desktop will allow users to continue the processing of existing data with accustomed applications such as Microsoft Office.

For the first quarter of 2003, SuSE Linux projects the release of SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop. With a focus on easy central administration, this Linux version will be optimised for deployment in large-scale enterprises, public administrations, and companies with multiple locations. Already in use for more than one year is a corresponding SmartClient installation at Debeka, a German insurance and financial services group, with over 3000 PC workstations in more than 230 locations. Currently, SuSE migrates another German insurance company, Stuttgarter Lebensversicherung, with up to 1000 desktops to Linux.

SuSE Linux Office Desktop combines the technology and user-friendliness of SuSE Linux 8.1 with proven tools that facilitate the migration from Windows operating systems and applications. During the installation, SuSE's system assistant YaST2 (Yet another Setup Tool) automatically detects the existing Windows 95/98/ME installation and submits a suitable proposal for the rearrangement of existing hardware space and the Linux software to be installed. Due to the partitioning tool Acronis OS Selector, the migration to Linux performs smoothly, even with a pre-installed Windows XP/2000.

SuSE Linux Office Desktop seamlessly enables the continued use of existing data. StarOffice 6.0 by Sun Microsystems offers text processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications in Linux, combined with mature filter functions for data exchange. In addition, StarOffice Base provides a powerful database. Codeweaver CrossOver Office 1.2 allows the utilisation of accustomed applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio 2000 on the SuSE desktop. For the first time, IBM Lotus Notes can be used from a Linux client. Both KDE 3.0.3 and GNOME 2.0 are available as graphical desktop environments. With the functionality and appearance of the mail client Evolution, users will not miss Microsoft Outlook. SuSE Linux Office Desktop provides all tools needed for office clients in a small or medium scale network.

The new SuSE Linux Office Desktop includes detailed documentation and 90 days of installation support. SuSE Linux Office Deskop will be available from SuSE Linux resellers from January 2003. The recommended retail price for one workstation is EUR 139.00.

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