SUSE simplifies mainframe Linux installation

The SUSE Linux Enterprise Server Starter System for System z is now available to mainframe customers to simplify SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 for System z installation and startup. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for System z is optimized for the IBM System z architecture and is the No. 1 Linux installed on those mainframes. Even with little or no Linux or z/VM experience, customers can install SUSE Linux Enterprise Server Starter System for System z and take advantage of the combined solution's benefits of consolidating servers and virtualizing Linux, UNIX and Windows workloads.

  • Friday, 11th April 2014 Posted 10 years ago in by Phil Alsop

“Installing Linux on a mainframe is different from installing Linux on an x86 server,” said Meike Chabowski, product marketing manager for enterprise Linux servers at SUSE®. “The Starter System for System z makes installation quicker and easier, and customers can get a headstart on their mainframe Linux proof-of-concepts with existing IT skills.”


The Starter System is a pre-built installation server for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for System z that can be installed on a z/VM system using Conversational Monitor System (CMS) tools. It eliminates the need for coordinating access to a separate Linux or UNIX system elsewhere on the network and minimizes the impact of network-based installation on internal and external networks.