Novell and IBM push Linux to ISVs

Novell and IBM today launched a global scheme designed to help independent software developers (ISVs) create and certify applications for SuSE Linux on IBM eServer and middleware platforms.

The partners aim to help ISVs develop and port applications to SuSE Linux more quickly and cost effectively.

According to the firms, the SuSE Linux ISV Certification Programme will give ISVs access to technical resources, hands-on tools and expertise available at nine IBM centres located in North America, Europe and Asia to certify their applications for SuSE Linux on IBM hardware and software.

As part of this initiative, Novell will provide ISVs with copies of SuSE Linux Enterprise Server and supporting documentation. The company will also facilitate onsite registration for Novell's Technology Partner Programme.

"Over the past few years, Linux has transformed from a niche operating system to a mainstream solution that customers are increasingly deploying in their existing IT environments," said Wood Lotz, chief executive at ISV Absoft Corporation.

He added that the programme was "an important milestone" in the long-term success of open source software development.

Hal Bennett, vice president of business development at Novell, said: "Application vendors from Silicon Valley to Stuttgart to Sydney will now have local resources to help them test and certify their application on SuSE Linux on IBM platforms."

Buell Duncan, general manager of ISV and developer relations at IBM, added: "The momentum behind Linux is growing daily.

"To date, more than 6,000 Linux-based applications have been developed on IBM, 2,000 of which come from ISVs. IBM has a goal to double that number in the next two years."

More information about the programme can be found at Novell's website here and IBM's website here.