Free Software Linux

In the latter part of 2007, Novell created a project to create a more accessible installation capability for System z (mainframe) evaluations of SLES. The idea was to simply make the installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server on System z as easy as possible. The so-called “Starter System for System z” has been available for free download (and 180 days eval) since November 1, and can be found on the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server eval download page.

A formal press release was just issued on this here.

If you’re interested in evaluating the dominant marketshare leader in mainframe Linux - SUSE Linux Enterprise Server - this is a great tool that will help accelerate your testing.

Here’s what one user had to say…

All I can say is - Brilliant! […] 7 installs on a z890 in about an hour and a half.

‘Nuff said.

Where do you get this gem? Just visit the landing page, the SLES Starter System for System z page itself, or the SLES eval download page and click the link that mentions the Starter System (see screenshot) or simply .