Lenovo and Novell Partner to Put Linux on ThinkPads

By Greg McNevin

August 7, 2007: Following Dell’s much heralded launch into Linux-equipped laptop and desktop sales, Lenovo and Novell have become the latest dynamic duo to take the open source path, with Lenovo to offer SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10.

The open source operating system (OS) will be offered to commercial customers on Lenovo’s T-series ThinkPads, with the firm to offer support for both the hardware and software, while Novell will provide updates for the OS directly to ThinkPad notebook customers. 

“We have seen more customers utilising and requesting open source notebook solutions in education, government and the enterprise since our ThinkPad T60p Linux announcement, and today's announcement expands upon our efforts by offering customers more Linux options,” said Sam Dusi, vice president, product marketing, Notebook Business Unit, Lenovo.

While Lenovo and Novell have an extended history together and a range of older ThinkPads have been Linux certified, this is the first time SUSE will be shipping pre-installed on business machines at large alongside machines sporting Windows.

Following Dell’s deal with Ubuntu, the Lenovo/Novell pact makes the Lenovo the second major company to offer Linux pre-installed, and the first to target the business rather than the enthusiast community.

The offer is expected to kick off in the fourth quarter of 2007.

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