Author: JT Smith
The new iSeries family is the successor of the AS/400 series, which has been installed in over 700,000 businesses worldwide. iSeries enlarges the offer IBM provides in the field of integrated business computers. At the same time IBM introduces version 5 and thus launches a new release of its OS/400 operating system, OS/400 V5R1. This release particularly excels through improved resource management and for the first time, allows multiple operating systems to run on an iSeries computer. In combination with patches that can be downloaded for free from the SuSE ftp server (ftp://ftp.suse.com/pub/suse/ppc/boot/iSeries/), SuSE Linux 7.1 for PowerPC is the first Linux operating system available for the IBM iSeries. Using SuSE on the iSeries allows easy evaluation of Linux and is the perfect environment for development of Linux based applications.
With logical partitioning (LPAR), the iSeries can run multiple operating systems concurrently, such as OS/400 V5R1 and Linux. OS/400 V5R1 supports Linux in a secondary partition and dynamically assigns resources like processor performance and main memory. Communication between partitions takes place via virtual TCP/IP connections without additional communication hardware.
Businesses can use these features to operate services such as Webserving for internet or intranet, firewalls, mail serving, or applications like databases and ERP systems. Thus, companies can profit from proven Linux applications without having to give up the reliability, scalability, security and availability of iSeries they are already familiar with.
Furthermore, SuSE Linux on iSeries is ideal for consolidating heterogeneous server farms. A uniform IT infrastructure within companies does not only reduce immediate administration efforts but also expenses derived from development or purchasing of strategic software products. Thus, Linux can dramatically contribute to lower the running costs produced by large server farms.
“IBM appreciates SuSE Linux because of its availability beyond any hardware restraints”, says Dirk Ott, Linux Marketing Manager EMEA Central Region of IBM. “The fact that SuSE supports the new iSeries with Linux already at this stage of its introduction into the market proves again the technical competence of our partner and the lively cooperation the two companies enjoy. Whether the use of ThinkPad or the mainframe computers of the zSeries are concerned, SuSE Linux can support our most demanding customers.”
The PowerPC edition of SuSE Linux 7.1 (6 CDs, a 500 page manual, 60 days installation support) has been available since the beginning of April, directly from SuSE, from Business Partners, and in book and computer stores.
About SuSE
SuSE Linux is the international technology leader and solutions provider in Open Source operating system software. SuSE’s unique expertise in Linux and its largest development team worldwide dedicated to Open Source software has contributed to the recognition of SuSE as the most complete Linux solution available today.
SuSE Linux AG, headquartered in Germany, and SuSE Inc., based in Oakland, CA, are privately held companies focused entirely on supporting the Linux community and Open Source development. With a workforce of more than 500 people worldwide, SuSE has offices throughout Europe, Latin America and in the US.
LINUX is a trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
