SUSE Throws Support Behind SAP Startup Focus Program

SUSE announced its support of SAP Startup Focus, a global program designed to help big data, predictive and real-time analytics startups to develop new applications using the SAP HANA platform.

The program allows startups to receive a free developer version of SAP HANA on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server as a single virtual machine for a free six-month period, according to SUSE. Eligible companies also receive free training through SUSE’s Certified Linux Administrator Academy, in addition to pre-sales electronic support and membership in SUSE’s PartnerNet program.

“SAP has worked closely with SUSE to support and add value to startups and customers for the strategic Startup Focus program, helping accelerate startup innovation and greatly enhancing developer experience on SAP HANA,” said Aiaz Kazi, senior vice president of Products & Innovation – Platform Strategy & Adoption at SAP, in a statement. “We highly value SUSE’s technical enablement and software subscription offering for participants in the SAP Startup Focus program.”

HANA is SAP’s in-memory database technology platform that stores all data in solid-state drives for speedier data transfer. SAP is one of SUSE’s largest partners, who also include Hewlett-Packard (HP), Cisco Systems (CSCO) and IBM (IBM).

SUSE said its support for the SAP Startup Focus Program is in line with the company’s continuing efforts to build out its channel program to include SAP channel partners. Currently, SUSE has signed up more than 400 SAP channel partners worldwide, all of which deliver the SAP Business One application powered by the HANA platform. There are more than 1,500 startups signed on to the SAP Startup Program to date, according to the company.

SUSE announced several new solutions this week in conjunction with its third annual SUSECon conference in Orlando, including the first details on its SUSE Storage beta program and the ability for existing customers to utilize their own subscriptions within the public cloud through a new “bring your own subscription” program.

Earlier this month, SAP and Samsung announced their plan to develop industry-specific mobile solutions for the Korean manufacturer’s devices and wearables in a new enterprise deal. In May, VMware (VMW) announced the release of SAP HANA on VMware vSphere 5.5 for production use in a push to simplify data center operations.