This agreement did a number of things.  Firstly, it gave Microsoft an opportunity to sell a Linux solution to customers who insisted on using the OS in their server environments.

Secondly, it gave Suse Linux (and ONLY Suse) protection from any future patent-based legal action from Microsoft.

Finally, it gave the struggling Novell a lifeline when things looked grim.

Ted MacLean, general manager for Strategic Partnerships and Licensing at Microsoft noted "Over the past three years, we have demonstrated our interoperability dedication time and again through the delivery of cross-platform technical solutions that carry the benefits of IP peace of mind."  Thus far, over 475 customers have taken advantage of the alliance resulting in sales of $US 226 million in certificates for Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server support and maintenance in the third quarter of 2009.

A recent addition to the program is interim support for Red Hat installations, while they prepare to migrate to the Suse platform.  "When we chose to migrate from Red Hat to Novell's SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, we were looking for a highly available solution that would help minimize and ideally eliminate service interruptions, reduce maintenance and licensing costs, utilize our Windows Server investments, and make it possible to support growing business demands," said Paul Boespflug, senior manager of technology services for MoneyGram International.  Approximately 20 customers have taken advantage of this offering.