Novell announced the availability of the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server Starter System for System z, a pre-built installation server that simplifies the installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server on IBM's System z mainframes. The starter system eliminates the need for IT managers to search for network access to installation media on the mainframe. With the new Starter System for System z, customers can quickly initiate evaluations of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for System z.

“We're excited to be able to leverage the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server Starter System for System z for our mainframe deployments,” said Mike Walter, z/VM systems manager at Hewitt Associates. “Until recently, there was no simple way to install SUSE Linux Enterprise Server on a mainframe using z/VM tools natively. This new tool makes it much easier and faster for us and others to experience SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for System z, taking advantage of the cost and reliability benefits of Linux on the mainframe.”

Carol Stafford, vice president of worldwide System z sales at IBM, said, “This starter kit is a great example of the many ways IBM is expanding mainframe compatibility and ease-of-use features. Novell's Starter System for System z helps Linux customers quickly maximize the mainframe's high reliability and scalability for mixed workloads.”

Starter System for System z, developed for Novell by Sine Nomine Associates, includes utilities and configuration tools to easily create an installation server and simplify the entire process of installing Linux on a System z mainframe. The starter system requires less administrator expertise while jump starting evaluations of Linux for System z. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server running on System z helps customers reduce software platform costs while allowing them to take advantage of hundreds of new, lower-cost applications available to System z users.

Roger Levy, Novell senior vice president and general manager of Open Platform Solutions, said, “Novell worked closely with customers and the mainframe community to develop a tool that will actually save customers time and money while helping them meet their broader IT objectives. That collaboration and the effectiveness of the starter system as it facilitates the customer installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for System z platforms are additional indicators that Novell understands the needs of mainframe users better than any other Linux vendor.”