VMware and Novell have announced the general availability of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for VMware. It is seen as the first step in the companies' expanded partnership announced in June of 2010.

The solution is designed to reduce IT complexity and accelerate the customer evolution to a fully virtualized datacenter.

With SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for VMware, customers who purchase a VMware vSphere license and subscription also receive a subscription for patches and updates to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for VMware at no additional cost.

Additionally, VMware will offer the option to purchase technical support services for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for VMware® for a seamless support experience available directly and through its network of solution provider partners. This unique solution benefits customers by reducing the cost and complexity of deploying and maintaining an enterprise operating system running on VMware vSphere.

"This unique partnership gives VMware and Novell customers a simplified and lower-cost way to virtualize and manage their IT environments, from the data center to fully virtualized datacenters," said Joe Wagner, senior vice president and general manager, Global Alliances, Novell. "SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for VMware is the logical choice for VMware customers deploying and managing Linux within their enterprise. This agreement is also a strong validation of Novell's strategy to lead in the intelligent workload management market."

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