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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
116
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

"Ultimately, Oracle Linux as a product rates nine out of ten."
"The solution is easy to use."
"The performance, feasibility, and flexibility of the I/O subsystem are valuable to us."
"It's mostly reliable."
"The configuration with Oracle database and Oracle Center databases is easy."
"We find the consolidated support for this solution and other same vendor systems to be an extremely valuable feature. This allows for faster resolution of issues and consistency of support personnel."
"The most valuable feature is the binary compatibility i.e. that Oracle Linux is 100% compatible with Red Hat Linux."
"It is very compatible because it's from the same product family, so it makes the work very easy."
"The main feature is that Linux is flexible to work with for most web-based applications."
"The return on investment has been significant, especially considering its cost-effectiveness compared to other solutions."
"The most valuable features of the solution are patching and the BTRFS file system."
"Linux is easy to use. You have more control on a Unix system."
"SUSE Linux Enterprise is easy to configure for those who are not hardcore command-line driven."
"The tool’s idempotency ensures all configurations are in place at all times."
"Out-of-the-box SLES supported all of our HBAs and hardware specific components."
"The stability of the solution is good. We have not had any issue with performance."
 

Cons

"It would be ideal if they added a faster implementation of the security fixes, if possible."
"Occasionally, we might get an alert to restart our database, and if we don't do it on our own, the system will do it automatically. That can cause downtime issues if your clients aren't expecting it."
"They keep increasing their license prices, making it increasingly costly. So many banks and customers are moving away from Oracle Linux."
"Since it is a VM, it gets slow. It can be an area for improvement."
"In the next release, I would like for Autonomous Linux to be available to all users so that the OS administration can be automated."
"Technical support slow to respond."
"Addressing room for improvement in Oracle Linux, some applications supported by other operating systems are not supported, which is a pain."
"Another notable aspect that could be improved is minor compatibility with Red Hat."
"The free version sometimes has security holes."
"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."
"The solution has to be fine-tuned with better documentation."
"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."
"I would like to see better functionality for interacting with cloud-based systems."
"I don't like the frequency of updates, especially if they're only from the vendor."
"I would appreciate the product's future releases being lighter and operating more efficiently on smaller systems."
"The solution is expensive."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The licensing cost is expensive. It should be reduced by at least half."
"The solution is free."
"Oracle Linux is very cheap at this time."
"We pay for a license for this solution annually."
"This is an open-source product that can be used free of charge."
"Low-cost solution."
"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 product's pricing is cheap. The tool's pricing is yearly."
"As far as licensing goes, there is nothing unusual here. The price and model have worked fine for my organization."
"The price is reasonable."
"The price of SUSE Linux Enterprise could be cheaper. Other solutions, such as"
"The product is expensive. We purchase its yearly license."
"The tool is expensive compared to Red Hat. I rate its pricing a nine out of ten."
"The product's licensing options align well with the evolving landscape of Linux variants."
"Anyone can use Linux because it is open-source."
"Regarding pricing, everybody would want it to be cheaper."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
14%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Government
8%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Computer Software Company
15%
Manufacturing Company
12%
Government
8%
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: April 2025.
849,686 professionals have used our research since 2012.