Novell today announced the worldwide availability of SUSE Linux Enterprise 10, the next-generation platform for the open enterprise.

SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 from Novell includes SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop, providing a secure and reliable foundation for enterprise computing from the desktop to the data center – a lineup of enterprise-class solutions matched by no other Linux vendor. Novell will showcase SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 at the LinuxWorld Conference & Expo in San Francisco Aug. 15-17.

“We’re extremely proud and excited to provide the latest and most innovative Linux desktop and server technology to our customers,” said Jeff Jaffe, executive vice president and chief technology officer for Novell.

“We also look forward to showing the world the capabilities of SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 in August at LinuxWorld, as we address the pressing needs of today’s IT executives by being first to deliver fully supported Linux innovations such as Xen virtualization, exceptional performance and scalability, application-level security, and improved desktop usability.”

Tony Iams, vice president of System Software Research at Ideas International, Inc., said, “Novell’s strategy of delivering a broad desktop-to-data center platform solution provides significant value to organizations through reduced costs and increased management synergies. Virtualization, security and user-friendly innovations will also drive more adoption of Linux in the enterprise.”

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server provides an open foundation for a variety of server workloads including edge and infrastructure computing, enterprise database deployment, line-of-business applications, and mission-critical software applications.

SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop delivers ease of use and several innovative new features including Xgl graphics, integrated search and a fully compatible office productivity suite through the Novell edition of OpenOffice.org 2.0, all at a list price that’s a small fraction of the leading proprietary operating system and office suite alternatives. SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop is suited for complete desktop replacements, retail point of service solutions, thin-client deployments and engineering workstations.

Customers who subscribe to SUSE Linux Enterprise gain access to the latest software enhancements, bug fixes and security patches through regular updates via the newly announced Novell Customer Center, ensuring the latest functionality and best hardware support. The Novell Customer Center is a centralized, online portal that also provides access to technical support and is completely integrated with Novell ZENworks Linux Management.

“Linux is the promising future of enterprise computing, and SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 from Novell is delivering on that promise now,” said Nathan Norris, network administration supervisor for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. “The security, performance and reliability of SUSE Linux Enterprise provide superior service at a reasonable cost. And the backing of Novell makes it the right enterprise platform for our mission-critical applications.”

The price comes in two forms: the mainframe price and non-mainframe price. Subscriptions start at $349 per server, and there is no additional cost for virtual server images. As for support, you can choose between basic, standard or priority support.