"SuSE Linux Intensifies Partner Focus with New Comprehensive Partner Program, Dedicated Channel Organization"

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   SuSE Linux Intensifies Partner Focus with New Comprehensive 
         Partner Program, Dedicated Channel Organization

Dedicated resources and global processes extend reach and improve 
            quality of solutions, services and support

Nuremberg, Germany, March 12, 2003 - SuSE Linux today announced 
steps to increase worldwide the reach, effectiveness and skills 
of its partners -- unveiling a new, dedicated partner 
organization and comprehensive partner program.

The SuSE Linux Partner Program will increase partner awareness 
and skills -- through focused knowledge transfer tailored to the 
specific skills, experiences and target markets of partners - and 
enhance sales and marketing support -- offering different levels 
from the SuSE Member Partner to the SuSE Premium Partner.

Under a single program SuSE will address the specific businesses 
of system integrators, resellers, ISV's, IHV's, consultants, 
training and support providers -- by organizing the SuSE Partner 
Program into four tracks: Business Partner, Technology Partner, 
Support Partner and Training Partner.

"Our partners are the soul of SuSE Linux," said Richard Seibt, 
CEO, SuSE Linux. "This new program - and the dedicated team we've 
put in place - will give our partners the knowledge they need and 
the skills they require to meet the needs of our mutual 
customers."

"Mid-sized enterprises are increasingly recognizing that Linux 
allows them to strengthen their competitiveness in particular 
through cost savings," said Ralf Klemisch, Director Business 
Unit, Itelligence AG, a full-service provider of SAP solutions. 
"SuSE Linux is making a key contribution to this development. As 
a new SuSE partner and established SAP system house, we can 
provide the link to the SAP world. Joining forces with SuSE will 
enable us to tap the considerable potential of this market 
segment."

The new program includes three levels:

  ·SuSE Member Partner -- The perfect start for partners who 
     want to become more familiar with SuSE Linux, Member 
     partners will receive a continuous flow of business and 
     product information -- expanding their own SuSE Linux 
     qualification and market expertise. Access to SuSE's latest 
     business products in combination with web-based technology 
     workshops, sales presentations and material will add to the 
     Member Level partner education. Member Level partners are 
     also entitled to use the SuSE Linux Maintenance Web and 
     Knowledge Database.
  ·SuSE Advanced Partner - For those partners already active in 
     the Linux market, and who have indicated their competence/a 
     proven track record in deploying SuSE Business Solutions 
     --the advanced program offers sales and marketing support. 
     Advanced Level Partners will be entitled to wear the SuSE 
     partner logos and market their profile on the SuSE websites. 
     They will have access to SuSE support facilities and each 
     success Advanced Level partners have in selling or 
     influencing sales of SuSE business products will be rewarded 
     by the SuSE Leverage Program, introduced with the launch of 
     the new Partner Program.
  ·SuSE Premium Partner - Is for those partners who are able to 
     offer their customers extensive Linux technological 
     expertise and professional services. Premium Level Partners 
     will have full access to all available SuSE sales, marketing 
     and technology resources. To further fuel their business, 
     any buying inquiries to SuSE from potential SuSE customers 
     will be transferred to local Premium Level partners.
  ·SuSE Leverage Program -- SuSE Leverage is an "Influence 
     Reporting" and "Skills Re-Investment" program, designed for 
     partners that generate demand for SuSE products. The program 
     helps SuSE partners to achieve and exceed the requirements 
     for their level. The SuSE Leverage Program only applies to 
     SuSE Advanced and Premium Partners. As SuSE Partners 
     continuously prove their success in sales and qualification, 
     SuSE will recognize these efforts by investing more into 
     joint sales, marketing, material and services.

Program entry and level change

Any company that has or plans to have services, sales, training, 
support, hardware or software in the Linux space -- and is 
willing to train their resources and is motivated to develop a 
commercial Linux strategy -- is invited to join the SuSE Partner 
Program. As companies prove their success in Linux sales -- by 
revenue and success stories -- and provide UnitedLinux certified 
resources or SuSE certified products, they are entitled to move 
up the value chain into the advanced level. The title "SuSE 
Premium" partner may only be bestowed by SuSE to the most loyal, 
highly committed enterprises, with a dedicated Linux strategy and 
a proven track record of successful SuSE Linux sales.

New VP Partner Sales and Services

SuSE Linux also announced the appointment of Petra Heinrich as 
vice president, Partner Sales & Services. Formerly the vice 
president for SuSE's consumer business, Heinrich has been active 
in the IT sector for more than 14 years. She began her career at 
Lotus Development, where she led the Business Partners, 
Distribution and Partner Marketing efforts. One of her key 
responsibilities was the integration of Lotus Development's and 
IBM Software's indirect sales. Later, as Director Partner Sales 
at IntraWare AG, she assumed responsibility for IntraWare's 
international business development.

"SuSE is investing more in the development of those channel 
partners who show a commitment to expanding their Linux sales and 
technical capabilities while at the same time offering others a 
path into the exciting world of Linux," said Petra Heinrich. 
"Together with our partners, we will combine the promises of the 
Open Source movement with the strengths of traditional IT. Only 
the finest quality of solutions, service and support will enable 
the customer satisfaction to guarantee us and our partners 
long-term success in the market."

Additional information can be found at 
http://www.suse.de/en/partner/

About SuSE Linux

SuSE Linux is one of the world's leading providers of products 
and services, based on Linux operating system. In addition to the 
operating system and application software for private customers, 
SuSE offers software solutions and complete systems for the use 
of Linux in the enterprise. SuSE supports enterprise customers 
with a comprehensive range of qualified consulting, training, and 
support services. Hosting the world's largest development team 
for Open Source solutions, SuSE Linux shares its unique project 
and support information online, in the largest existing Linux 
knowledge database. Further information on SuSE Linux can be 
found at http://www.suse.de/en/

Press contact:

SuSE Linux AG
Martina Krahmer
Deutschherrnstr. 15-19
90429 Nuremberg
Germany
martina.krahmer@suse.de
Phone: +49-(0)911-74053507