"As an application service provider, we always have to offer maximum performance and optimum security at economically attractive prices. For our mySAP HR application, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 was the operating system that best met this requirement", stated Michael Gebauer, solution architect in the Application and Hosting Services (AHS) department, Siemens Business Services. "The former RM servers with RISC processors under Reliant Unix are now replaced by Intel-based servers under Linux."

The open source operating system and the platform independence of the SAP R/3 software enable an easy migration to an open, powerful, and efficient Intel architecture. Linux-based application servers can be operated independently alongside existing Unix-based servers. Thus, the RM systems can continue to run until they were amortised and gradually replaced by Linux servers.

"For us, the certification by prominent hardware and software manufacturers and the availability of the 2.4 kernel was and continues to be decisive", stated Michael Gebauer.

In April 2001, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server was the first enterprise Linux platform that was certified for mySAP.com on the x86 architecture for Intel processors. In autumn 2002, SuSE Linux was the first Linux provider to be awarded the status "SAP Global Technology Partner". SuSE enjoys the same exclusive SAP partner status as Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Oracle, and Sun.

Meanwhile, companies that want to deploy SAP on SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 can use the hardware of their choice. Since January 2003, all current Intel-based servers of Dell, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Hewlett-Packard, Sun and IBM are approved for the deployment of mySAP on SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8. Companies around the world can utilise the hardware and software combination that best suits their needs and benefit from SAP's installation support.

SuSE employees work at the SAP Linux lab on a permanent basis. This close relationship between the software and e-business giant SAP and SuSE is significant for large SAP users.