More than a year ago, parts of the open source community was outraged when Novell signed a partnership agreement with Microsoft under which the companies promised improved interoperability between products. Microsoft also promised to support the Novell flagship SUSE Linux distribution.
Under the Renault agreement, Microsoft will deliver to Renault more than 1,000 certificates for priority support subscriptions to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server from Novell, as Renault consolidates existing Linux distributions to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server with the goal of improving interoperability and taking better advantage of virtualisation.
“Customers have asked for solutions to make Microsoft products work better with other platforms and for IP assurance that enables vendors to build technical bridges,” said Microsoft general manager of strategic partnerships and licensing Susan Hauser.
“We are pleased to provide this real-world, pragmatic solution to customers such as Renault,” Ms Hauser said.
“Increasing the presence of SUSE Linux Enterprise in the datacentre, well integrated with a Microsoft Windows environment, will enhance the deployment of applications and increase the competitive advantage of innovative companies,” Novell global strategic licences vice-president and general manager Susan Heystee said.
“With growing marketplace understanding of the solutions we are providing to the interoperability challenges in a world of mixed-source software, we expect to continue to see growth of SUSE Linux Enterprise in the market,” said Ms Heystee.
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