SuSE releases SuSE Linux Enterprise Live Patching

At the SUSECON2014 conference, SuSE announced the launch of the SUSE Linux Enterprise Live patching, which enabled Linux enterprise users to patch the system without rebooting, helping to reduce downtime costs and increase service availability. SUSE Linux Enterprise Live Patching is based on the Kgraft project, which provides a package stream to implement kernel updates without disruption. The SUSE Linux Enterprise Live patching is now available via subscriptions for compatible servers, delivered based on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12.

"SUSE Linux Enterprise Live patching can increase service availability by updating critical kernel patches without rebooting," said Matthias Eckermann, senior product manager at SUSE. And through frequent patches to reduce planned downtime, you can also use the latest patches to ensure security and stability. This is a fully open source solution that enables 0 disruption interactions with the system and supports a user-known deployment approach. It is an ideal choice for server group mission-critical systems, memory databases, extended simulations, or quick fixes. ”

Unlike some of the other Linux kernel real-time patches, SUSE Linux Enterprise Live patching does not need to shut down the entire system when performing repairs. And because it's a fully open source solution, this makes it easy to review the patch source code. SuSE is working with upstream communities to ensure that all Linux, especially SuSE Linux Enterprise, can receive real-time kernel patches in the future.

Real-time patches are a big step in Linux on Unix. "In fact, Linux has been maturing, and all of its features and scalability have begun to match top Unix in recent years," says Richard Fichera, vice president and chief analyst of infrastructure and operations at Forrester study. ”