Novell overtakes Red Hat on SUSE Linux ISV apps

Partly as a result of Novell's focus on its ISV ecosystem, Novell is the first Linux vendor to achieve 5,000 certified applications on the latest versions of SUSE Linux Enterprise. Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) have contributed an average of 150 new applications each month.

Based on publicly available information, SUSE Linux Enterprise 9, 10 and 11 have the most certified software applications of any Linux distribution, now with twice as many certified applications as the latest versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, the next closest distribution. As Linux has entered the mainstream, the breadth and depth of application support for SUSE Linux Enterprise makes it the logical choice for end-users who require flexibility and versatility to deploy a variety of applications and workloads on different hardware and across virtual and cloud infrastructures.

Novell's lead over Red Hat extends across a broad variety of application categories and vertical industries worldwide. Partly as a result of Novell's focus on its ISV ecosystem, SUSE Linux enterprise is the fastest-growing Linux distribution on the basis of revenue growth, increasing its worldwide market share of Linux operating system revenue by 5 points from calendar year 2007 to 2008.

In addition to the growing SUSE Linux Enterprise Server footprint, many ISVs are attracted to Novell because of the SUSE Appliance Program. Due to the patent-pending technology in SUSE Studio, any ISV who is certified on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is also certified on a SUSE-powered virtual appliance.

"We chose to work with Novell to build our application on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server because not only is it an interoperable platform that works well with Windows, it is also one of the best platforms for building software appliances," said Bertram Mandel, VP, sales and services and managing director, Ingres Germany. "Novell provided us with the technology and go-to-market support needed to build the SUSE Studio Appliance Template for Ingres Database. We are now working with Novell to market our database application to their large ISV ecosystem, giving us an opportunity to generate additional revenue."

Over the last two years Novell has focused on creating the strongest Linux application ecosystem, certifying more than 3,500 applications and developing new tools and programs to support ISVs.

"Our investment in building a strong ISV community has paid off," said Markus Rex, senior VP and general manager of Open Platform Solutions at Novell. "We have deepened our partner relationships and worked with ISVs to deliver the applications most in demand by our customers. We have given customers more reasons than ever to choose SUSE Linux Enterprise and more ways they can obtain value from it."