Linux seller SuSE and server maker IBM have obtained a crucial security certification that will make the operating system an option for demanding military and government customers, the companies are expected to announce Tuesday.
Many governments require certification to the international Common Criteria standard before they"re allowed to purchase a specific computing product. SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 running on IBM"s Intel-based xSeries servers achieved Evaluation Assurance Level 2 (EAL2) of the Common Criteria, the companies are expected to announce at the LinuxWorld Conference and Expo. "It certainly raises the viability and increases the trust level of Linux in government contracts," IDC analyst Chris Christiansen said. Though commercial buyers don"t usually give Common Criteria certification much more than passing notice, "the government market is very large," he said.