SUSE supports Open-Source Software Education

SUSE is expanding its support for the next generation of open-source software developers through the global growth of the SUSE Academic Program. The program is preparing developers in industries of all types to meet the changing demands of the digital economy by providing open-source knowledge, training materials and a low-cost education buying program for the education community.

The SUSE Academic Program has grown to include more than 400 universities, schools, libraries and other academic institutions. The program has also increased its support resources in North America and aims to double the number of participants in the next six months.

Sander Huyts, SUSE Vice-President & Academic Program lead, says, "SUSE has long been a champion of open-source education, and our existing links to academia have allowed us to work with a high number of schools in a short period of time. We are committed to growing open-source skills and education at the academic level, because we view them as critical to the long-term health of our industry and as fundamental building blocks of modern technology. We will continue to ramp resources and support to ensure open source continues to thrive."

Demand for open-source skills is at an all-time high and increasing every year. According to the Linux Foundation's 2018 Open-Source Jobs Report, hiring open-source talent is a priority for 83 per cent of hiring managers, an increase from 76 per cent in 2017. SUSE's Academic Program provides a variety of services to help meet the demand for talent and advance open-source knowledge. This includes training for certified Linux and other courses, student curriculum materials for faculty and staff, free SUSE products for educational or lab use, a special SUSE buying program for educational institutions, development tools, and access to knowledge base, forums and technical support.

The SUSE program is positively impacting the lives of educators and students around the world, including at the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Czech Technical University, San Diego State University, New York City College of Technology and the University of British Columbia.