European Linux developer and vendor SUSE has decided to stop providing new versions of its OpenStack Cloud software after years of being a pioneer in offering OpenStack Infrastructure-as-a-Service. However, it will no longer sell it to its customers .
This decision comes just a few months after the release of SUSE OpenStack Cloud 9.This release was based on OpenStack Rocky and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 12 SP4. It was the first release to integrate HPE's Helion OpenStack.
According to a statement from Michael Miller, president of the company's corporate development department: "SUSE is focusing and increasing its strategic investments in offering applications that are in line with technology trends, and, most importantly, with customer needs. Thus, SUSE will focus on Kubernetes -based applications , such as the SUSE Cloud Application Platform and SUSE CaaS Platform."
Mr. Miller also said that this change will strengthen the company, and establish it as an independent open-source company that sets big goals and pursues growth and innovation.
The company also mentioned that for customers who are using SUSE OpenStack, the company will continue to support the software until the end of the customer's subscription and has already started helping users smoothly transition to an alternative solution.
On the other hand, SUSE will strengthen its enterprise offering, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) and its Ceph-based program , SUSE Enterprise Storage.
These changes may be related to the change in SUSE CEO. Melissa Di Donato took over as CEO in July. Her goal was to grow and expand SUSE. With this move, it seems that Di Donato believes that SUSE will evolve if it focuses on the Kubernetes-based hybrid cloud.
As for the company behind OpenStack, it doesn't seem to be worried about the breakup with Suse. OpenStack Foundation COO Mark Collier said that there are many other companies distributing the software and that OpenStack is the top choice in the market.
