Novell and HP have announced the signing of a new open source bundling license agreement to offer customers a Linux solution on multi-processor HP servers - the Enterprise Linux 8-License Value Pack.

The offering includes integrated open source solutions, technical software and service options that are fully supported and certified on HP ProLiant servers and BladeSystem technologies. Although traditionally licenses are sold by CPU, in this case it doesn't matter whether the servers' CPUs are single- or dual-core, physical or virtual. A single license is calculated per server, meaning the customer can run multiple instances on virtual machines on the same server for no additional cost.

"The Enterprise Linux 8-License Value pack from HP and Novell is a compelling new option for customers since it marries premier hardware platforms from HP to the industry's most secure and most scalable Linux operating system, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server," said Hal Bennet, VP Global Partners and Programs, Novell. "By delivering this combined system with very attractive pricing and a simplified license that's virtualization friendly, Novell and HP are showing their commitment to helming customers deploy Linux with peace of mind."

Customers can now buy the value pack directly from HP and its channel partners as a standalone product or with HP servers. HP's technical support services are available either with one-year or three-year service contract options.