Gateway Forges Partnership With SuSE 250
Zardus writes "According to Forbes, Gateway has named SuSE a "strategic partner" and will be offering SuSE Linux on all of their servers. I always thought SuSE would be a nice name for a cow, but I guess I'll have to settle with it being the OS of a spotted server." The article notes: "SuSE has long sought a greater presence in the United States, where rival Red Hat has taken the lead in selling Linux server software to businesses."
Finally another Linux partner (Score:5, Insightful)
Good Show
Re:Finally another Linux partner (Score:3, Funny)
Keep in mind Gateway ain't doing so hot right now, so I wouldn't read too much into this move, or expect much out of it.
Re:Finally another Linux partner (Score:2)
it looks like a partnership is being built to offer the "whole enchilada" in the same way that sun does. if that's the case, then red hat's days are probably numbered.
Re:Finally another Linux partner (Score:2)
SuSE is the least free of the major distributions. The licesne for YaST doesn't meet the three major definitions of "free software" (The FSF defition, the Debian definition, or the Open Source Initiative definition).
If they don't want to use Redhat (which is free), I'd prefer they use Debian or Slackware or Gentoo or Madrake or some other fully free Linux.
You might not think this is a big deal, but one of the big attractions for
Re:Finally another Linux partner (Score:2)
Err, *four* definitions. You would think that somebody so concerned about FSFreedom would know this.
Re:Finally another Linux partner (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Finally another Linux partner (Score:2)
Re:Finally another Linux partner (Score:3, Insightful)
Let me get this straight. Suse provides you with the code to their installer. Suse allows you to modify their installer as long as you don't resell it. And this is a problem.
Holy crap, we would be lucky if everyone else did that. So they won't let you *resell their installer*. Big friggin deal. It's a great piece of work, works really well, and I've never had a major problem with SUSE. Since I can not say the same for Redhat, guess which one I use.
Re:Finally another Linux partner (Score:2)
Yes, it is a big friggin deal, since it precludes making and distributing cheap SuSE ISOs, either separately, or as part of a larger package.
The YaST license also is unclear about borrowing CDs. I don't see anything in the YaST license that allows installing from borrowed CDs.
One of the big benefits of Linux at work is that it frees us of the hassles of license tracking. It sure looks like SuSE fails to do that.
Re:Finally another Linux partner (Score:2)
Where do you find this clearly stated?
Losing the freedom to sell is important. (Score:2)
Yes, it is a problem for Free Software fans because they would give up the opportunity to make a profit. Some of this money they might choose to put into developing more Free Software. It would, therefore, injure the community to restrict people to non-commercial distribution.
Re:Losing the freedom to sell is important. (Score:2)
I call bullshit. Look, SUSE pours lots of resources into the linux community. They support KDE, XFree, Alsa, ReiserFS, and so on. They provide money and code. The only thing they don't GPL is Yast. Boo friggin hoo. They w
Re:Finally another Linux partner (Score:5, Insightful)
Of course! Who wouldn't prefer that? However, you have to look at it from the Vendor support level. RedHat was always first on the support level because they did extensive testing and certified hardware as being functional in Linux. This takes a huge load off of vendors, such as Gateway, because they can check off their hardware against the list then guarantee their customers when they sell them a Linux box it will be compatible with Linux.
The problem right now is that a lot of Vendors (excluding IBM) don't generally make their components. They buy a motherboard from MSI, a sound card from Creative, etc.. How are they to know if it is Linux compatible (and what degree of compatibility as some people's definitions seem different), without extensive product testing?
Vendors such as SuSe, RedHat, and Debian (to an extent) do heavy testing and certification of Hardware. Face it SuSe and RedHat are "Enterprise Grade" in their testing processes. Gentoo will likely never be supported as it is constantly evolving to bleeding edge updates maintained by tons of packagers who generally aren't directly employeed by Gentoo.
Debian is different in the size of its userbase, but Debian also does not have the resources for the kind of testing corportate Linux entities can muster. It will likely never have these facilities due to the community nature of the project, but instead relies on user testimony. Ex. "I use this it works". A vendor is going to need something a little more solid then testimony.
Mandrake might have a shot if they could ever become profitable enough to put out some rigourous testing, though you could probably use RedHat's results fairly confidently with Mandrake (or any other Linux distro).
Perhaps what is needed is a Hardware compatibility group that can test and verify hardware compatibility with various Linux distros, Kernel versions, etc..
So to close, I still do not see how being able to choose between RedHat or Suse hurts Linux more then just being stuck with RedHat or nothing. You could argue that Vendors should just carry different Linux distros and not certify that they work, but I'm sure Gateway's legal team would feel queasy at that notion. Keep in mind companies are paranoid of brand association (Gateway sold this so they obviously endorse it).
Re:Finally another Linux partner (Score:2)
Redhat is no longer free, in beer or freedom. They get around the GPL through contractual law now. I'm not free to make copies of the software and install on other systems for starters. And you have to contractually obligate your company to allow Redhat to audit for unlicensed copies.
Did you mean Fedora in above?
Re:Finally another Linux partner (Score:2)
SuSE used KDE long before the QT libs became free
SuSE included several commercial packages, normaly a limited version of packages aimed at much larger instalations than home users so we could try-before-we-buy.
YAST is the SuSE configuration/update program, and is proprietary it gives SuSE it's flavor, and actualy I don't like it, it's a bit slow and clunky for my tastes.
The bigest thing wron
This confused me (hardware and Free Software) (Score:5, Insightful)
With Free Software, the price restrictions drop, and computers become more useful. Hardware vendors don't have to worry if the OS will support their new video card etc. They can hack together their own support.
So anyone can compete, and the software vendors don't hold any controlling cards. I can see why software companies don't get Free Software. They'd have to change their entrenched business models. But hardware companies should be shouting "Users should expect Free Software", and funding FSF, etc.
some people just don't know a good thing when they see it.
Re:This confused me (hardware and Free Software) (Score:2)
Re:This confused me (hardware and Free Software) (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Finally another Linux partner (Score:2)
Re:Finally another Linux partner (Score:2)
Re:Finally another Linux partner (Score:2)
Good for Suse... (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Good for Suse... (Score:2)
Re:Good for Suse... (Score:4, Informative)
Them seem to be getting better. As I understand it, the story goes like this:
A few years ago, Ted Waitt, founder of Gateway computers, retired. The board selected a new CEO, who proceeded to cut corners and the like until Gateway was known for crappy PCs. The board kicked him out and since Waitt's stock options were now in the toilet, he agreed to come back and fix the whole mess. Since then, Gateway seems to be improving.
Hopefully, they can earn back a place of trust in consumer and corporate minds.
Re:Good for Suse... (Score:2)
do they make good servers?
Re:Good for Suse... (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Good for Suse... (Score:4, Informative)
Gateway (Score:2, Informative)
Huh? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Huh? (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:Huh? (Score:3, Informative)
In '96... (Score:2)
It is a real shame that gateway started selling crap after that... I could see the work getting shoddier and shoddier with each batch of new machines that arrived for a while... Some of them had
Re:Huh? (Score:2)
True, but they also think DVD's are High def. End result: their DVDs look fine and they don't notice. In fact, they're not likely to notice until the most mainstream programming is sent in HD. Perhaps not even then.
Re:Huh? (Score:2)
Gateway + SuSE (Score:5, Funny)
Oh, SuSE-MOO !
Oh, SuSE-Moo, baby I love you.
SuSE-Moo.
Strike up the band? (Score:2)
Re:Strike up the band? (Score:2)
Re:Strike up the band? (Score:2)
However, accepted practice in the US is to say it as sue-ZEE
I don't think so. Calling it "Susie" simply displays one's ignorance of the correct pronunciation, much like those people who go around saying "Line-ucks". For what it's worth, I used to say "Susie" myself, until I happened to call SuSE tech support and heard the correct pronunciation.
Re:Strike up the band? (Score:2)
I think.
--
Evan
Subscribing to Slashdot:? (Score:2)
February 30 Slashdot stories:
New G5 Benchmark Results [apple]
New G5 Results of Benchmark [apple]
New Microsfot lawsuit apeal [under the Borg icon]
Neal, please call home now! [Cowboy's Mother icon]
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What about Novell? (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:What about Novell? (Score:2)
Is Gateway the first large computer manufacturer to license SuSE after Novell announced their acquisition?
Re:What about Novell? (Score:3, Interesting)
Well, considering this annoucement came after the Novell one I am going to bet they know something about it.
Anyone think that SuSE could be the next RH? I mean which would you buy from right now if you were going to choose? Personally I use Debian on the servers here, but if you needed something with support I really think I would choose SuSE over RH.
Re:What about Novell? (Score:2)
When it comes to other things like server installs, it doesn't rea
Re:What about Novell? (Score:3, Interesting)
Sun has partnerships with RH, SuSE, and Debian; but are currently offering their enterprise Java desktop on SuSE and RH. Most of the Geophysicial apps out there are moving (or at least expanding) from Sun to Linux, and the distro of choice there seems to be RH. On the other hand, SuSE has a much bigger market (and mind) share in Europe, and that should help them.
All I know is that I'd rather run Debian or Su
Re:What about Novell? (Score:2)
not bad (Score:2)
Gateway (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Gateway (Score:2)
Re:Gateway (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Gateway (Score:2)
Gateway actually sells servers? (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Gateway actually sells servers? (Score:2)
Gateway has serious business problems (Score:4, Informative)
Gateway is Dying? (Score:2)
Must be another Microsoft success story. That's what happens when you do M$'s monkey dance.
Don't expect this to stay server bound. Almost ALL problems with new PCs are due to software issues, the kind of issues you have when you try to close off the source so you can screw your competition by breaking their codes. Any maker's quality would improve by simply ditching the software that breaks it.
Welcome to the free world Gateway, I hope you are not too late to save yo
promotional offer (Score:4, Funny)
1) Epson America Stylus(R) color Inkjet
OR
2) Gateway Brand 1.2 megapixel digital camera
*Plus*
Free UPS ground
Re:promotional offer (Score:4, Funny)
My UPS has a three-prong plug already. Why would I need a free ground?
Too bad their website says (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Too bad their website says (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Too bad their website says (Score:2, Insightful)
I don't know many people recommending XP for servers.
The SuSE deal is for servers.
Re:Too bad their website says (Score:2)
How's about pointing us to Reuters Instead? (Score:5, Insightful)
Follow the source to its destination.
Re:How's about pointing us to Reuters Instead? (Score:2)
Gateway Servers... (Score:4, Informative)
64 bit? (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:64 bit? (Score:2)
Gateway? (Score:5, Interesting)
VA Linux wasn't able to make a profit selling linux servers... I don't know why Gateway would. I think of Gateway as a PC for a first-time buyer, inexpensive, but higher quality than an HP, Compaq, or eMachines.
I think there's more to this story than is currently being revealed.
Re:Gateway? (Score:2)
Which begs the question of who the hell is going to buy these servers? I didn't even know gateway made any to be honest; I can't imagine bu
SuSE disappointment (Score:3, Interesting)
This is the last company SuSE should have aligned themselves with if their intent was to win any corporate clients.
Re:SuSE disappointment (Score:2)
Re:SuSE disappointment (Score:2)
MSFT and gateway work together, and last I checked, Windows was available from a few other manufacturers as well.
Too good to be true... (Score:3, Insightful)
Everywhere on the Gateway pages there is still written:"Gateway recommends Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP", but maybe things change a bit. Unfortunately if you have a look at the category "Operating Systems" on their website you can still only choose between
XP Home Upgrade
XP Professional Upgrade
XP Home
and my favorite OS:
Microsoft Plus! For Windows XP
Used to work for Gateway... (Score:2, Insightful)
Watch as the planets align.... (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Watch as the planets align.... (Score:2)
As iterated before there's nothing to Gateway's market share. This is an attempt to counter bad stock movement or continue good stock movement (haven't checked Novell or Gateway, and I'm way to lazy to do so now) with marketing fluffy bunnies ( a press release) by the parties involved. How many linux servers do you really think Gateway's going sell? How many would they have to sell for this to even make $100,000 in GROSS revenue for Novell?
It's flu
the tables ARE turned. (Score:2, Insightful)
Gateway Forges Partnership With SuSE (Score:5, Funny)
OK, it's a poor attempt at humor, but then it is Monday morning...
Whose mascot (or both)? (Score:5, Funny)
Why? (Score:4, Informative)
Gateway has less than 1% [serverwatch.com] of the US server market.
But there have been rumblings that Gateway wants to move up [serverwatch.com] in the world. A partnership with IBM should be beneficial, and might explain the Linux movement.
The Free World against SCO & Microsoft. (Score:3, Insightful)
It seems there is an emerging force behind linux now, and pretty soon there will only be a couple of large companies left behind. Those players that Microsoft has all but wiped out know that if they are going to survive, they have to put their money behind Open Source, Any new proprietary Office/Server Space software doesnt stand a chance against Open Source, or The beast of redmond. So what Microsoft kills creates a new seed planted in the beds of Open Source. Redmond are rapidly digging their own grave and in it will be planted the seeds of an open and free world
Fine and dandy, but.... (Score:2, Interesting)
When I clicked on the gateway link, out of morbid curiosity, I got this at the very top of the first page I saw,
"Gateway recommends Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP"
Not that I would ever buy a pre-built computer or recomend that anyone buy one, but I'm not seeing too much headway being made in the final conflict for the desktop.
I suppose this is still better than nothing, perha
I , for one (Score:3, Funny)
Gateway makes computers? (Score:3, Informative)
Suspicious... (Score:2, Funny)
Pronunciation (Score:2)
So is it pronounced like "Seuss" (as in "Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss), or is it pronounced like "Suzy" with a soft "S" instead of a "Z"?
Are you channeling a troll, sir? (Score:2)
1. Gateway is installing SuSE Linux on servers, not desktops and laptops.
2. Unless Grandma runs her own big-iron Web server or Folding@Home project, she'll never see SuSE Linux on a Gateway PC (at least not yet).
3. Linux IS fantastic for geeks. And it's fantastic for John Q. Everyman as well. Distros like Mandrake 9.2 make it easy for Linux newbies to get into the market; a Linux newbie does not
Re:Are you channeling a troll, sir? (Score:2)
Dude, Have you ever tried getting help from mplayer authors ? All you get is RTFA, even if you have read TFA and not able to find what you want. The help , faq, codec infos all are so apthetically written, they would fail both the english class and technical writing class too.
Don't get me wrong , mplayer is one true amazing product, but compiling it, installing it with win32 dlls, realplayer dlls, quicktim
Re:Are you channeling a troll, sir? (Score:2)
Take the 5 minutes to go out and install apt/synaptic. Point it at a repository (I use SUSE, your milage may vary). Install xine. It plays anything MPlayer plays.
Re:Are you channeling a troll, sir? (Score:2)
Nice but... (Score:3, Funny)
I enjoyed your post even though you should have RTFA, but I was left with one burning question:
Are you shocked or not?
Re:Linux needs this like Tux needs aftershave (Score:2, Insightful)
The only way we're going to save Linux is to get it off Grandma's computer.
Do you believe in the principles of Open Source, or not?
Re:Dude: (Score:2)
Basically says he subscribes on another account, so he saw it 15 minutes early, wrote the troll, then posted it when it hit the front page.
Re:And up jump the price! (Score:3, Informative)
I couldn't get Red Hat 5 to run on my box in 1999 because it had an SiS video card. SuSE 6.2 had a patched version of X Window System that worked for me. Though I missed some great features in Red Hat, I've been very pl
Re:And up jump the price! (Score:4, Insightful)
This isn't today's news. SuSE 9.0 Professional was being sold for $79.95 when it got released so I don't know if you actually meant to try to tie this into today's SuSE/Gateway news or if it was a mistake on your part but again, no controversy here. And the other thing is if you're so concerned about the price why don't you buy the personal version for $39.95? The Professional box comes with 5 CDs, 1 DVD and 2 printed manuals with 90 days installation support. The personal just includes the CDs. If you don't want to do that either then do a FTP install. No one said that a Linux vendor has to ship you CDs for free. If you don't like the price then don't buy it, the OS is still free.
I don't know about anyone else here but I would prefer is SuSE kept charging for the Personal and Professional versions. Atleast that gives them the chance to make *some* money of the "free" versions rather than ditch it all together and re-brand it a la Fedora.
Re:And up jump the price! (Score:2)
Re:And up jump the price! (Score:2)
Re:stock? (Score:2)
Geekcode is so 1996. e*
Only because they didn't update it since then - some of the traits should be gone or changed. I mean, I suck on some of the traits simply because they were well before my time.
Re:stock? (Score:2)
Re:Cool (Score:3, Insightful)
GateWay Canada used to sell machines with RedHat preinstalled. As I recall, the price was almost identical to the price with Windows installed. They also absolutely refused to sell the machine without any OS (I prefer Debian and don't want to pay for RedHat, either). All of this suggests that they are paying a Windows tax and will pass it on to you regardless of what OS you
nothing shady here! (Score:2)
You just ran accross the "profesionals"...people like that are the ONLY places to get anything more than 3 years old from anymore...I have Dells still under [or just ou