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Novell is treating its users to early Independence Day fireworks, by releasing a special, free preview of its upcoming SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 platform.

In this pre-release, Novell is offering early versions of both of its flagship distributions: SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10.

Novell will officially release the server and desktop products later in the summer of 2006.

Avnet teams with IBM and Novell to encourage Linux use by small and midsize businesses. Click here to read more.

“Demand from customers to preview SUSE Linux Enterprise 10, both the server and desktop products, has been unbelievable,” Justin Steinman, director of product marketing for Linux and Open Platform Solutions at Novell, said in a statement.

“So we’re making it easy for everyone to experience for themselves how the best Linux just got better, with no cost or obligation.

“The value of SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 can best be experienced hands-on, and we firmly believe that those people who take some time to kick the tires will end up wanting to drive it off the lot when it’s formally released in the next few weeks.”

Read more here about Novell’s Linux strategy and recent changes in leadership.

SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 is built on the foundation of the community-developed OpenSUSE 10.1. On the desktop, it comes with many applications already baked in, such as:

• OpenOffice.org 2.0

• Firefox Web browser 1.504

• GAIM 1.5 instant messaging client

• Beagle desktop search

• Evolution 2.6

Read the full story on DesktopLinux.com: Novell Previews New SUSE Linux Enterprise Distros

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