What was announced on June 27 instead are "special preview versions" of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 and the server version that interested parties can download for free. These preview versions are apparently meant for the "tyre kickers". A Novell spokeswoman told us enthusiastically that demand for the preview version, that she referred to as release candidate three, had been so high that there had been about 10,000 downloads so far. However, as for the actual release date - well we thought we heard her mumble something about August, although the offical line is later this summer.

“Demand from customers to preview SUSE Linux Enterprise 10, both the server and desktop products, has been unbelievable,” said Justin Steinman, director of product marketing for Linux and Open Platform Solutions at Novell in a company statement. “So we're making it easy for everyone to experience for themselves how the best Linux just got better, with no cost or obligation. The value of SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 can best be experienced hands-on, and we firmly believe that those people who take some time to kick the tires will end up wanting to drive it off the lot when it's formally released in the next few weeks.”

Companies missing deadlines for the release of operating systems is nothing new of course. Microsoft has made such an art form of it, that it is now able to get away with releasing operating systems several years late, as was the case with Windows 2000 and now Vista. However, we have been led to believe that this sort of thing just does not happen with open source development projects.

It is interesting, however, that one person who will not be around to preside over the launch of Novell's Linux pride and joy will be recently terminated CEO Jack Messman. In place of Messman, who was one of the founding directors of the company, Ron Hovsepian will assume the mantle of leadership. Given the official release of SLED 10 is now scheduled for August, Hovsepian will still have a four month window of opportunity to prove to the world that 2006 is the long awaited year of the Linux desktop. {moscomment}