SuSE, the big German Linux distro, yesterday announced its open source Office desktop productivity tool. Called SuSE Linux Office Desktop 8.1 (the version number refers to SuSE's take on the Linux OS, not to the suite), this is available in a retail-friendly box for $129 (€139.90) for a single license +90 days support. The pitch is simple: We're cheaper than Microsoft. And more secure.

SuSE, possibly Red Hat's most serious competitor, is setting out to be as friendly to tech-nervous SMEs and home buyers as possible. It promises "unlimited compatibility with your old data from your Windows system". So you can continue using your old Microsoft Office and/or use Sun Microsystems' StarOffice 6.0, which comes bundled with the SuSE app

SuSE also claims quick, easy installation and migration, even for those "without any technical experience even alongside a preinstalled Windows XP".

There's more from SuSE here. ®