Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) can extend their portfolios and drive new revenue streams by expanding their Linux on POWER application support to include Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server. Here you can find out:
- Why supporting multiple Linux distributions on POWER systems is a smart business decision
- How standards make it is easy to enable your applications across Linux distributions
- How IBM can help
Benefits for Supporting Multiple Linux Distributions
SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server (SLES) and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) are the primary distributions currently supported on IBM Linux on POWER products - IBM System p, System i and System BladeCenter systems. Application developers support their products on each of these distributions to address the broadest possible markets. Use the table below to determine which distribution can best expand your market and grow your revenue.
1IDC 2003 Worldwide Software Market Forecaster - (Historical), Source: IDC, May 2003
It's Easy!
If you already have an application for Novell SLES or Red Hat RHEL on a POWER technology-based system, then supporting your application on the other Linux distribution is easy. Cross-compatibility exists for most 32-bit applications because these two Linux distributions support the same IBM middleware, and common programming libraries, APIs, and compilers.
| Similarities across Distributions | Benefit |
|---|
| Linux Standards Base 1.3 Compliant | Cross-distribution binary compatibility backed by the Free Standards Group LSB project |
Consistent releases of IBM Middleware
(WebSphere Application Server and DB2) | For Java/J2EE applications, same WebSphere-based binary will run across all Linux on POWER distributions. Database interfaces are also compatible. |
IBM Can Help!
Another reason to port your applications to Red Hat or Novell SUSE is because IBM offers you a breadth of resources to make it easy. IBM provides unparalleled Linux on POWER training, co-marketing, technical support, porting assistance, and equipment access to help you grow your business. Over 5,000 IBMers worldwide work at porting centers and research, services, and development labs dedicated to Linux.
IBM can help you port your applications to SLES or RHEL by taking you through the following steps:
- Assess: Consider key questions in determining your application's cross distribution compatibility
- Test: Use IBM resources to help you test your application on multiple Linux on POWER
- Market: Leverage IBM's co-marketing and selling resources to market your solutions worldwide.
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