S.u.S.E. (Software und System Entwicklung) began in 1992 as a German Linux distribution, initially reselling Slackware and providing support. They later developed their own distribution based on SLS, incorporating YaST, a unique configuration tool. After several ownership changes including investments from Novell and Attachmate, S.u.S.E. was acquired by Micro Focus, then spun off and sold to EQT Partners, regaining its independence. Throughout its history, S.u.S.E. maintained a focus on enterprise-level Linux solutions, including SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) and openSUSE, a community-driven distribution. Despite various acquisitions and shifts in the market, S.u.S.E. continues to be a significant player in the Linux ecosystem.
The article "The History of S.u.S.E" meticulously chronicles the intricate evolution of the S.u.S.E Linux distribution, tracing its origins back to its multifaceted beginnings. Initially conceived not as a distribution in the contemporary sense, S.u.S.E began as a service offering encompassing software, support, and other UNIX-related services. The acronym itself, originally "Software und System-Entwicklung" (Software and Systems Development) in German, underwent a subtle transformation, later being retroactively reinterpreted as "Sales, Upgrades, Support, and Engineering" to better reflect the evolving nature of the business. This shift underscores the early focus on providing comprehensive solutions rather than merely distributing software.
The article delves into the complex interplay of various entities that contributed to S.u.S.E's formation. Starting with the distribution of Slackware disks and printed manuals, the nascent company gradually transitioned into producing its own unique distribution. This involved incorporating elements from SLS (Softlanding Linux System) and Jurix, culminating in the release of the first official S.u.S.E Linux distribution, version 0.1. The article emphasizes the significant role of these early distributions in shaping S.u.S.E's identity and technical underpinnings.
A pivotal moment in S.u.S.E's history was the introduction of YaST, the Yet another Setup Tool, which significantly streamlined the installation and configuration process, a key differentiating factor for S.u.S.E in the increasingly competitive Linux landscape. YaST's intuitive interface and comprehensive functionality simplified system administration, making S.u.S.E more accessible to a broader user base.
The article continues by outlining the progression through various S.u.S.E releases, highlighting key features and milestones along the way. The acquisition of SLS played a crucial role in solidifying S.u.S.E's position in the market and accelerating its development. The transition from SLS to YaST2 marked a significant technological advancement, further enhancing the user experience and solidifying YaST's reputation as a powerful and versatile system management tool.
Furthermore, the narrative explores S.u.S.E's international expansion and its evolving relationship with the open-source community. The establishment of S.u.S.E GmbH in 1992 marked a formalization of the business structure and paved the way for future growth. The subsequent acquisition by Novell in 2003 and later by Micro Focus International in 2014 represent significant turning points in S.u.S.E's journey, introducing new challenges and opportunities for the company. The article meticulously details these transitions, emphasizing their impact on S.u.S.E's strategic direction and development. Ultimately, the article paints a comprehensive portrait of S.u.S.E's complex history, highlighting its origins as a service-oriented enterprise, its evolution into a major Linux distribution, and its ongoing navigation of the ever-changing technological landscape.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43048261
Hacker News users discuss SUSE's complex history, highlighting its resilience and adaptability through multiple ownership changes. Several commenters share personal anecdotes about using SUSE, appreciating its stability and comprehensive documentation, particularly in enterprise settings. Some express concern over the recent layoffs and the potential impact on SUSE's future development and community. Others discuss the significance of SUSE's contributions to open source and its role in popularizing Linux in Europe. A few commenters delve into the intricacies of the various acquisitions and express skepticism about the long-term viability of open-source companies under private equity ownership.
The Hacker News post titled "The History of S.u.S.E" generated a moderate number of comments, many of which delve into further details and anecdotes related to SUSE's history and impact on the Linux ecosystem.
Several commenters expand on the complex relationship between SUSE and Novell, highlighting Novell's initial open-source skepticism and later embrace of it with the acquisition of SUSE. One commenter points out the significance of SUSE's early adoption of KDE as its default desktop environment, contributing to KDE's popularity and maturation. This decision contrasted with Red Hat's preference for GNOME, solidifying a key distinction between the two distributions. Another commenter emphasizes the role of SUSE in pioneering advancements like YaST, a comprehensive system administration tool, and its strong focus on enterprise-grade reliability and support.
Another thread discusses the challenges SUSE faced navigating the changing open-source landscape, including competition from other distributions like Red Hat and Debian, as well as the implications of various acquisitions and mergers over the years. Commenters touch upon the impact of Attachmate's purchase of Novell and the subsequent spin-off of SUSE as a standalone company. Some express concern about the potential consequences of these ownership changes on SUSE's long-term direction and community engagement.
A few comments recall personal experiences with SUSE, sharing nostalgic memories of using early versions and praising the distribution's stability and comprehensive documentation. One user specifically remembers SUSE Linux 6.4 as their introduction to Linux, lauding its user-friendly installation process and the wealth of included software. Others share anecdotes about their time working with SUSE in professional settings, highlighting its strong enterprise features and robust support infrastructure.
Overall, the comments provide valuable additional context and perspectives on the history of SUSE, reflecting the distribution's significant influence on the development of Linux and the broader open-source movement. They offer a mix of historical analysis, technical insights, and personal reflections, painting a richer picture of SUSE's journey and its enduring presence in the Linux world.