Sun and SuSE Linux enter into global alliance: SuSE Linux to become a Java source licensee and distribute Sun's Java, Sun to distribute SuSE Linux Enterprise Server.

Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:SUNW) and SuSE Linux have announced a global alliance to expand the reach of Java technology and SuSE Linux in the rapidly growing market for open systems. Under the terms of the agreement, SuSE commits to become a Java 2 Standard Edition source licensee and to distribute Sun's Java Virtual Machine (JVM) to further expand the deployment of the world's most popular application environment. In support of this global alliance, Sun will sell, ship and provide full customer support for SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 on Sun's x86 systems.

"This agreement further demonstrates the accelerating momentum of Java and Sun's support for the open community," said Jonathan Schwartz, executive vice president, software, Sun Microsystems. "Sun values SuSE's expertise and welcomes them to the Java community and we look forward to working with them to grow the global marketplace. Through this collaboration and Sun's continued commitment to open systems, customers benefit from greater choice and innovation."

Thiss announcement underscores Sun's commitment to deliver choice, innovation and value to customers through greater application availability with Java everywhere. Sun continues to develop a broad range of alliances with partners in the Linux community to tune and distribute Sun's latest version of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) with their Linux distributions. By becoming a Java 2 source licensee, SuSE joins Sun in a partnership to provide high performing Java based customer solutions for the SuSE platform.

"SuSE continues to shake up the traditional IT world with open source innovation as we expand our partner channels to provide customers true business value and choice," said Richard Seibt, CEO, SuSE Linux. "Corporate customers want alternatives. Under our new partnership with Sun, we're delivering user-friendly, flexible solutions that will drive significant business advantages for customers and open up new opportunities for both Sun and SuSE."

The joint offering from SuSE and Sun provides customers with fully supported Java and Linux solutions. In collaboration with SuSE, Sun will provide global services and support for SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 on Sun's x86 systems and will support SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 on select third-party SuSE certified hardware. Sun will also support customers in heterogeneous environments including Solaris OS and Trusted Solaris, the Solaris x86 Platform Edition, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8, as well as other Sun supported Linux offerings. Sun will continue to support all existing Sun Linux customers to ensure their business continuity and investment protection.