Microsoft Corp. and SUSE have been collaborating for over six years to deliver interoperable solutions for enterprises running mixed Windows and Linux computing environments. These offerings further expand their strategic relationship by enabling developers and organisations of all sizes to benefit from the best of a stable and reliable enterprise-class Linux distribution on Windows Azure. Windows Azure allows users to control and manage the computing resources they need to configure and scale compute capacity in a highly available, on-demand cloud environment. With SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Microsoft customers can run a wide range of certified applications while receiving streamlined support from Microsoft and SUSE.
“SUSE Linux Enterprise Server on Windows Azure represents the latest development in the pioneering collaboration between Microsoft and SUSE. That work began six years ago with the development of the Linux Integration Components, which enabled Linux to run seamlessly on our Windows Server Hyper-V,” said Michael Croney, open solutions group lead at Microsoft. “With Basic and Priority Support now on Windows Azure, customers will be able to access enterprise class support services for both Windows and Linux virtual machines, running on the open and flexible infrastructure of Window Azure. The relationship between Microsoft and SUSE continues to set the standard in the industry for pioneering strategic technology solutions that benefit customers running a mixed technology environment.”
Microsoft customers running SUSE Linux Enterprise Server on Windows Azure can choose the right support level for their cloud deployment scenario. Customers that want to keep SUSE Linux Enterprise Server up-to-date on the most current security patches, bug fixes and new features can choose Basic Support, which provides automatic maintenance. Customers that require greater levels of assurance can choose Priority Support, which includes maintenance and 24x7 technical telephone support.
In addition, SUSE makes it even easier to extend SUSE Linux Enterprise Server-based applications to Windows Azure with SUSE Studio™ Online. Recently released SUSE Studio 1.3 now includes all of the drivers necessary for integration with Hyper-V Manager. Now, virtual applications built with SUSE Studio run seamlessly in Windows Server environments, including Windows Azure. Furthermore, with a single click of a button, customers can publish Linux images directly from SUSE Studio into their Azure accounts.
"The practical deployment of production Linux workloads on-demand in Windows Azure is now possible through Patched and Priority Support for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server ," said Michael Miller, vice president of global alliances and marketing, SUSE. "Through our alliance with Microsoft, we are pleased to provide joint customers enhanced capabilities to deliver mission critical services through mixed Windows and Linux cloud infrastructure."