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Oracle Linux vs SUSE Linux Enterprise comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 7, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

Oracle Linux
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
3rd
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
7.7
Number of Reviews
112
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
SUSE Linux Enterprise
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
7th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.3
Number of Reviews
32
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of Oracle Linux is 11.1%, down from 14.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of SUSE Linux Enterprise is 7.2%, down from 8.9% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Operating Systems (OS) for Business
 

Featured Reviews

Marcelo Muniz - PeerSpot reviewer
The operational system is the best and is packed with free features like CapsLive
It is important to work with a vendor who will sell you the correct product for your environment rather than just try to make the most money off of you. Study the solution and learn how to install it correctly and use it in the best ways. Follow best practices from Oracle and get some training in the operational system. The solution comes with a lot of features and options that you can use for free. It is reliable and you can even use an old version with no issues. It is not the most user friendly, but you can learn it with a bit of study. Overall, the solution beats other operational systems by a large margin. The solution is rated a nine out of ten.
Dominique Locksley - PeerSpot reviewer
Has good kernel modules and upgrades
I like how the tool handles kernel modules and upgrades - we rarely have issues after upgrades, unlike with other Linux distributions like Oracle Linux or Ubuntu. The kernel module management is excellent. Changes made in one version typically work the same in other versions too, which isn't always the case with other distributions. There's also lots of information and community support available if you run into any problems, both on the official website and in forums and user groups. I know many people who use it specifically, so it's easy to get independent support if needed. I've been working with the tool for a long time, since 2003, before they became SUSE Linux Enterprise. It's always been one of the most admin-friendly Linux versions.

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"The configuration with Oracle database and Oracle Center databases is easy."
"I like that it's very stable and lightweight and that it requires very little resources."
"With Oracle Linux Ksplice specifically, we have organizations looking for minimum downtime. We're able to apply hot-patching at any time; once we've proven they're tested, ready to go, we don't need to take downtime to apply them."
"Oracle Linux for Oracle databases is the top. There's no doubt whatsoever."
"We are using the firewall for intrusion prevention, and it has performed well."
"Oracle Linux is very compatible with other platforms."
"The user interface is comfortable and easy to use."
"Oracle Linux is a secure solution."
"The tool’s idempotency ensures all configurations are in place at all times."
"It's a flexible solution."
"The return on investment has been significant, especially considering its cost-effectiveness compared to other solutions."
"The most valuable feature of the solution is the installation part...We don't face any issues related to the operating system or application."
"Linux is easy to use. You have more control on a Unix system."
"SUSE Linux Enterprise is scalable."
"It is very easy to maintain, migrate and upgrade."
"YaST simplifies the server management of SUSE allowing for a centralized utility to control most of the server functions."
 

Cons

"The solution could be more user friendly."
"There can be improvements to the documentation capabilities."
"The download speed is not good. Oracle can improve their servers capacity, especially in Asia."
"Time drifts happen frequently, and the database restarts automatically to protect data integrity."
"They should improve in the area of entertainment applications for the average user."
"The graphic interface could be improved to work better in a desktop environment."
"Pricing could be improved."
"The user interface for Oracle Linux could use improvement."
"Sometimes it is a bit of work for developers to change the configurations."
"Compared with the competition, of late actually, the solution has increased its pricing tremendously."
"If you want to do something simple like changing an IP number, you have to be quite aware of all the configuration files where you will change that."
"They should provide chatbot support for customers to open the troubleshooting cases directly."
"We have had trouble integrating Autodesk with the SUSE manager."
"The software management side was a bit difficult, especially compared to Ubuntu."
"The software management side was a bit difficult, especially compared to Ubuntu."
"When working in a Department of Defense environment, Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) have to be followed. SLES is not really addressed directly here. It did make following security policy difficult."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Nowadays, Oracle is very open toward price negotiation; they negotiate well with their clients"
"The solution is free."
"We pay a monthly subscription fee."
"Oracle Linux license and support are far more expensive than Red Hat or SUSE."
"The price of Oracle Linux could be less expensive for those who are running a small freelance company, such as I do. We use the solution fully but the income that you're receiving is slow."
"The solution has no fees."
"The cost is relatively affordable."
"We pay an annual subscription."
"The tool is expensive compared to Red Hat. I rate its pricing a nine out of ten."
"The price is reasonable."
"SUSE Linux Enterprise is reasonably priced compared to other operating systems. I find it's a much better option for us than Oracle, for example, because of the pricing structure. The pricing is easier to explain to clients and makes it easier to get clients' commitment. The licensing is also simpler to manage and keep track of. Their responsiveness is great - they give feedback very quickly when we ask questions about licensing or other aspects. This helps ensure we're always at the gold standard regarding licensing and everything related to SUSE Linux Enterprise."
"I have to pay for a license in order to get support."
"The license we pay is for Oracle. We make use of the community edition."
"There is no license for this solution, there is only a subscription of support available."
"The platform is affordable."
"There is a free tier and a paid support tier. If you do not need support, then the solution is free to use. If you need support then there is an option for that as well."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
14%
Government
9%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Computer Software Company
15%
Manufacturing Company
12%
Government
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

How does Oracle Linux compare with Solaris?
When comparing Oracle Linux and Solaris, I believe that Linux is more secure and more flexible. It is also very suitable for enterprises that are already Oracle solution users. I found Linux to be ...
Which would you choose - Ubuntu Linux or Oracle Linux?
Ubunto Linux is a complete Linux operating system that is freely available with both community and professional support. This solution is suitable for both desktop and server use. It has a very app...
What do you like most about SUSE Linux Enterprise?
The initial setup is simple and takes five minutes for deployment and if you have automation in place, it will take four minutes.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for SUSE Linux Enterprise?
I used the open-source version, so there were no setup costs.
What needs improvement with SUSE Linux Enterprise?
The software management side was a bit difficult, especially compared to Ubuntu. The software manager was different, making it challenging to install certain applications. Additionally, I encounter...
 

Also Known As

Oracle Enterprise Linux
No data available
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

See here
Air India, Akademicki Szpital Kliniczny (ASK), Allone, Altran, Apollo, ARCHIVA, Asia Innovatory Management School, ATLAS ELEKTRONIK GmbH, AutoData Norge AS, Baldor Electric, Business Connexion, CASIO, Ciclum Farma, Delta Lloyd, Edumate , HPE,  SAP SE,  Lenovo, BMW, T-Systems, UCX, Turners & Growers, Shenzhen Development Bank, Bosch Group, JK Tyres & Industries, IOCL, European Space Agency, Daimler AG, China Minsheng Banking Corp, Café Coffee Day, Unisys,  Petrochina Company Ltd, Fitch Ratings, ABeam Consulting Co Ltd, Tyro Payments, Rackspace, Pacific Textiles, ...
Find out what your peers are saying about Oracle Linux vs. SUSE Linux Enterprise and other solutions. Updated: March 2025.
845,589 professionals have used our research since 2012.