SuSe is set to launch the next version of its desktop
Linux distribution later this month. Based on the 2.4.21 Linux
kernel, the operating system supports both 32-bit and 64-bit
applications running on the Athlon 64 AMD processor, which it hopes
will drive adoption of open source software deeper into the
enterprise.
Although many companies including SuSE, Red Hat, HP, IBM and SAP
have been developing increasingly powerful, enterprise-ready Linux
software, users are still reluctant to run Linux in a
mission-critical datacentre environment.
Linux has gained popularity in datacentres as a cost-effective
alternative to proprietary Unix, but few companies run their
enterprise applications on the platform, said Tony Lock, senior
analyst at Bloor Research.
“In the infrastructure space Linux has achieved general
respectability. It is not questioned as viable for web servers and
firewalls – devices at the edge.
“The big challenge of the next 12 to 18 months is whether it can
move to serve core business applications – will we see Linux
running SAP and Oracle, for example, rather than these suppliers
merely declaring their support?”
Linux has some high-profile enterprise users, including
Unilever, Safeway and Orange. Despite such support, Lock said
doubts about scalability and systems management could slow the
take-up of the operating system.