Novell today mixed Linux with proprietary offerings from Oracle and JBoss with the introduction of what it describes as a "mixed source" software stack.

Combined with approved server hardware from HP, the validated software configuration is designed to reduce the risks for customers deploying integrated, multi-application solution stacks on Linux.

Under Novell's Validated Configuration Programme, the software firm and its partners will integrate and test all stack components to ensure high performance, document best practices for deployment, and develop recommended configurations.

The mixed source validated configuration consists of SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 9, Jboss Application Server 4.0 J2EE development platform, and Oracle Database and Real Application Clusters. The certified hardware includes HP BladeSystem BL 20p and BL30p server blades.

According to Novell the Validated Configuration is the first in a series of approved software/hardware combinations from Novell, HP and Oracle.

"Customers need to know that they'll be able to deploy their Linux-based applications without any disruption to their business," said David Patrick, vice president and general manager for Linux, open source platforms and services at Novell.

"By validating this leading-edge stack, Novell allows customers to save time and money in modelling and pilot testing, and gives them peace of mind that the solution will work as promised."

Martin Fink, vice president and general manager of open source and Linux at HP, added: "Customers today are more comfortable deploying integrated application and database software combinations with Linux."

Validated configuration data, which contains performance testing, recommended configuration information, and best practice for deployment, will be available from Novell in June.

Hardware and software components of the stack are expected to be available through Novell and HP in the third quarter of 2005.