SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time
Operating systems
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$1,620.00 per year
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What is SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time
SUSE Linux Enterprise Real Time is a commercial Linux operating system variant that adds real-time kernel capabilities to SUSE Linux Enterprise for workloads that require deterministic response and low-latency behavior. It targets industrial, telecommunications, and embedded/edge deployments where timing predictability matters alongside enterprise Linux lifecycle management. The product is delivered as an add-on to SUSE Linux Enterprise and is typically used on dedicated systems running latency-sensitive applications.
Deterministic low-latency behavior
It uses a real-time Linux kernel configuration to reduce scheduling latency and improve timing predictability compared with general-purpose enterprise Linux. This is relevant for control systems, telecom network functions, and other workloads that are sensitive to jitter. It allows organizations to standardize on an enterprise Linux base while addressing real-time requirements.
Enterprise lifecycle and support
It aligns with SUSE Linux Enterprise release engineering, update processes, and long-term maintenance practices. Organizations can obtain vendor support for the OS and real-time components rather than relying only on community support. This can simplify risk management for regulated or production-critical environments.
Integrates with SLE ecosystem
Because it is based on SUSE Linux Enterprise, it fits into existing SLE tooling and operational practices (for example, package management and system administration patterns). This reduces the need to adopt a separate specialized OS for real-time use cases. It also supports mixed environments where some nodes require real-time behavior and others run standard enterprise Linux.
Narrower use-case scope
Real-time tuning primarily benefits workloads with strict latency and determinism requirements, and it may not provide value for typical server or end-user computing. Organizations may need to maintain separate standards for real-time versus general-purpose nodes. This can add complexity if only a small subset of systems requires real-time behavior.
Hardware and tuning sensitivity
Achieving deterministic performance often depends on hardware selection, BIOS/firmware settings, and careful system tuning (CPU isolation, IRQ affinity, power management settings). Results can vary across platforms and drivers, especially when using diverse peripheral devices. Teams may need specialized performance engineering to meet latency targets.
Commercial licensing considerations
As an enterprise distribution and add-on, it typically involves subscription costs and support entitlements that may not fit all budgets. Procurement and compliance processes can be heavier than adopting a community distribution. Organizations also need to align subscription terms with deployment footprints and lifecycle plans.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard — 1–2 sockets or 1–2 virtual machines (1-year) | $1,620.00 | 12x5 support; Response times: 2 hours (Severity 1), 4 hours (Severity 2), Next business day (Severity 3–4). Covers 1–2 sockets or 1–2 VMs. MSRP; login required to purchase. |
| Standard — 1–2 sockets or 1–2 virtual machines (3-year) | $4,380.00 | Same Standard support; 3-year subscription. MSRP; login required to purchase. |
| Standard — 1–2 sockets with unlimited virtual machines (1-year) | $3,240.00 | 12x5 support; covers 1–2 sockets with unlimited virtual machines under single license. MSRP; login required to purchase. |
| Standard — 1–2 sockets with unlimited virtual machines (3-year) | $8,750.00 | Same Standard support; 3-year subscription. MSRP; login required to purchase. |
| Priority — 1–2 sockets or 1–2 virtual machines (1-year) | $2,370.00 | 24x7 support; Response times: 1 hour (Severity 1), 2 hours (Severity 2), 4 hours (Severity 3), Next business day (Severity 4). Covers 1–2 sockets or 1–2 VMs. MSRP; login required to purchase. |
| Priority — 1–2 sockets or 1–2 virtual machines (3-year) | $6,400.00 | Same Priority support; 3-year subscription. MSRP; login required to purchase. |
| Priority — 1–2 sockets with unlimited virtual machines (1-year) | $4,900.00 | 24x7 support; covers 1–2 sockets with unlimited virtual machines. MSRP; login required to purchase. |
| Priority — 1–2 sockets with unlimited virtual machines (3-year) | $13,300.00 | Same Priority support; 3-year subscription. MSRP; login required to purchase. |
Seller details
SUSE S.A.
Luxembourg, Luxembourg
1992
Private
https://www.suse.com/
https://x.com/SUSE
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