Q&A With John Loiacono on Novell's Acquisition of SuSE Linux
Nov. 5, 2003 -
An interview with John Loiacono, vice president of Sun's operating systems group, regarding yesterday's news that Novell will acquire SuSE Linux.
Q: There's been a lot of movement in the Linux space recently. What impact does Novell's acquisition of SuSE have on the industry?
A: Sun has always believed in a strong and growing Unix/Linux marketplace because it provides greater open choices to customers. This move signals that the Linux market is consolidating much faster than anyone had ever predicted around two major Linux distributions: SuSE and Red Hat. It happens to leave Sun in a very compelling position since we provide customers terrific choices with our new low-end systems, which offer both Solaris x86 and a choice of Linux.
More importantly, as every vendor attempts to move 'upstack' to catch up with Sun's groundbreaking Java Enterprise System with its $100 per employee pricing model (and availability on both Solaris and Linux), we think this makes Sun the safest and most comprehensive choice today.
On the desktop, Sun's new Java Desktop System is clear and compelling choice for customers looking to save money and improve security of their enterprise clients. Sun's competitive position is strong because of its ability to deliver better choices end to end from server to desktop.
Q:How will Sun respond to Novell's acquisition of SuSe?
A: Sun will remain focused on its strategy. We will continue to provide servers utilizing the x86 platform that will run either Solaris or Linux. In addition, we will provide an industry leading middle ware stack with the Java Enterprise System for the Linux and Solaris operating environments. In addition, we're extending the Linux environment to user's desktops with the Java Desktop System.
Q:Does this news harm Sun's ability to provide the x86-based systems that will run SuSe, or Sun's ability to provide the Java Desktop System or the Java Enterprise System on SuSE?
A: The agreements we've made with SuSe will continue to be valid. Sun is committed to providing systems that will run SuSe's Linux operating systems as well as the Java Desktop System and the Java Enterprise System.
Q:What does this news mean for Sun customers that are running SuSE?
A: From their interactions with Sun, the impact will be minimal. We can't comment on how things might change in dealing with Novell after it acquires SuSe.
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