The management and support services of Fujitsu Services Oy’s Patja operating model expands to include Linux workstations.
Basically the same range of services is now available to Linux workstations as those with the Windows operating system, and they will be implemented in compliance with the same processes. Currently Fujitsu’s Patja service manages approximately 140,000 workstations.
Initially the service will cover the SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop version (SLED 11) by Novell. In addition to Finland, support is also available in the other Nordic countries.
The Linux operating system yields the best benefits in environments that are properly standardised and all users use the same applications. For example, many government organisations, such as schools are examples of such environments. Linux also suits very well for highly virtualised working environments and thin client implementations.
"We have already tested the Linux operating system with some of our customers. This service has raised a lot of interest and queries. Compatibility between Linux and Windows computers is an important issue, since typically our customers have both operating systems in the same environment. SLED 11 is a standardised Linux distribution release of a long lifecycle which is highly suitable for professional use. It is also widely used at Fujitsu," says director Pasi Lehmus of Fujitsu.
"The market has lacked a clear-cut model for including Linux workstations in a managed desktop service. The expansion of the Patja service model lowers the threshold for our customers to deploy SUSE Linux computers. At the moment Fujitsu’s Patja manages a few thousand Linux workstations. Thanks to the well-oiled services I believe the number will double quickly," says CEO Kim Aaltonen of Novell Finland.
Most often it is cost savings that businesses strive at with Linux, but it has many other assets to offer. Linux is a reliable and safe operating system. The Linux world is not entirely free from viruses, but it has a lot less threats than the rival environments.
"The application range and user interface of SUSE Linux serve as effective and easy-to-use tools for businesses and government organisations. With applications, such as OpenOffice.org Novell Edition in particular, special attention has been paid in compatibility with other workstations," Kim Aaltonen says.
Offering the management and support services on Linux workstations is part of Fujitsu’s Patja service development programme which among other things aims at full end device independence. The previous release took place a few weeks ago, when Patja was complemented with support services on Mac computers.
