Novell provides Linux operating systems such as SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 and Novell Linux Desktop 9 for businesses that need a hardened, supported operating system for running IT infrastructure and corporate applications. Novell also provides SUSE Linux for technical individuals who want to keep up to speed with the latest and greatest open source code. The following table outlines the differences between Novell enterprise products and its SUSE Linux product.
Although not intended for business deployments, SUSE Linux 10.0 provides corporate evaluators with an excellent first look at technologies like XEN (virtualization), OpenOffice 2.0 (productivity suite), Beagle (desktop search) and Mono (open source development environment). These technologies, when refined and fully supported, may appear in future Novell enterprise Linux offerings.
| Enterprise | Enthusiast | |
| Products | SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 Novell Linux Desktop 9 | SUSE Linux 10.0 |
| Target segments | IT buyers looking for a hardened, supported Linux platform backed by a reliable product release cycle | Linux users and technical enthusiasts, experienced computer users and community developers |
| Distribution channels | Direct, channel, OEM | Retail |
| Release strategy | 18-24 months | Six months |
| Technical support | Comprehensive support options, available in flexible configurations | 90-day install only |
| Security patches | Yes | Limited availability |
| Software and driver updates | Yes | No |
| Update protection | Yes | No |
| Service-pack availability | Yes | No |
| ISV certifications | Yes | No |
| Hardware certifications | Yes | No |
| Indemnification | Yes | No |
| Lifecycle guarantee | Yes: seven years* | No |
| Printed manuals | Yes | Yes |
| Training | Yes | No |
| Consulting | Yes | No |
