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March 18, 2008

HP plans Novell Linux PCs & laptops

PC giant follows Dell and Lenovo's lead

Tom Sanders, WebWereld Netherlands

HP is planning to launch Linux-based desktop PCs and laptops in select countries in Q2, following a partnership with Novell.

The systems will run Novell's Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop OS, with the two vendors jointly developing software drivers and providing support to end-users.

In an interview at the Novell Brainshare conference in Salt Lake City, Roger Levy, vice president for open platform solutions with Novell, said the HP deal was significant. "Having any additional distributor that has worldwide reach and has a large market share who will bring enterprise grade Linux in as an option, is very significant to us," Levy said.

Levy declined to provide further details on the deal that will make HP the latest vendor to start shipping preinstalled Linux systems. Dell currently sells Ubuntu computers to consumers worldwide and offers Suse Linux in Asia. Lenovo has been shipping computers running Suse Linux worldwide. HP's Linux offerings so far have been limited to the workstation segment.

See also:

Users demand Dell Linux PCs

Dell launches new UK Ubuntu Linux laptop

See our Laptop Advisor website for expert reviews of today’s best laptops, plus read our essential advice to make sure you choose the right specs

Novell primarily markets its desktop Linux software to businesses. Its Linux bundles come with an annual support contract that is uncommon in the consumer market. The company for now has no interest in offering Suse preinstalled consumer desktops, said Levy.

"We do look at the consumer side from the nature of increasing our [developer] community," said Levy. "But from a business point of view, our focus is on the enterprise."

Linux is becoming an increasingly viable alternative to Windows on the desktop, Levy argued. The OS has all the features required by enterprises, including support for common business applications such as Active Directory and Exchange. Productivity software such as OpenOffice too has reached a maturity level that satisfies enterprise demands.

Lastly, Novell is banking on concerns about Windows Vista, said Levy. The OS has high demands on hardware and is suffering from poor driver support. "Vista has left more questions in people's mind than past generations [of Windows] in terms of the value proposition."

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