Novell has released a preview version of its forthcoming
SuSE Linux Enterprise system.
SuSE Linux Enterprise was expected to be commercially ready
around the end of the second quarter of 2006, but its full launch
has been delayed as a result of technical problems in the operating
system's management system.
The OS is based on OpenSuSE 10.1, a community-oriented
distribution, which was where the technical problems were
discovered.
Despite the problems, Novell has launched the preview in the
hope that it will convince users to buy the commercial version,
which is now scheduled for launch in mid-July.
The update comes with productivity suite OpenOffice.org 2.0, the
Exchange-compatible Evolution 2.6 e-mail client, the Firefox 1.504
web browser, the GAIM 1.5 instant messaging client, and Beagle
desktop search.
Novell says SuSE Linux Enterprise will offer users improved
graphics and security features; the server edition also includes
integrated virtualisation technology.
The desktop version will cost around £28 and there will be
various licence models for the server edition.