Novell has just introduced the next version of its Linux operating system designed for desktop computers – Novell Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 (SLED 10).
Jeff Jaffe, the CEO and Chief Technology Officer of Novell, stated that this new version of Linux aims to facilitate a transition from Windows to an open-source operating system within the user community.
Novell Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 (SLED 10) was officially launched at the CeBIT trade fair taking place in Hanover, Germany. This marks Novell’s first Linux version designed specifically for desktop computers. This version is considered “good enough” to replace Microsoft Windows in enterprise environments.
“The SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop version we have just introduced can fully meet the basic needs of office workers</em," Jaffe noted.
He also mentioned that despite forecasts made many years ago, the shift from Windows to Linux in enterprise settings has been quite limited. Nevertheless, Jaffe remains hopeful that SLED 10 will make an impact in the latter half of this year.
Eventually, businesses will realize that they don’t face significant challenges when integrating Linux-based computers into environments that are currently dominated by Windows. The trend towards adopting Linux or replacing Windows is expected to gain considerable strength over the next two years.
“I don’t believe that widespread adoption of Linux will occur in 2007; it might take until 2008. This year is merely a preparatory step,” Jaffe stated.
Nat Friedman, the Vice President in charge of Linux development at Novell, demonstrated SLED 10 at CeBIT. SLED 10 features many similarities to the beta versions of Windows Vista.
Novell has developed a custom 3-D user interface for SLED 10, which also shares similarities with Microsoft’s Vista. With this new interface, users can make windows transparent, allowing for easier visibility of the desktop background while still working with full-screen applications.
Developers have added several new features to address common issues associated with Linux when operating on desktop computers, along with a new “plug-and-play” mechanism for SLED 10 that enables the operating system to recognize hardware devices instantly, similar to Windows.
SLED 10 also includes multimedia software developed with the assistance of RealNetworks. The software, named Banshee, features a user interface similar to Apple’s iTunes, allowing users to legally listen to MP3 music directly on Linux.
SLED 10 is set to officially launch in the market at the end of September this year.
Readers can find more information at: http://www.novell.com/products/desktop/
HVD
