SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5

Basic Information

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 12 SP5 is a robust, adaptable, and manageable Linux server platform designed for deploying business-critical workloads across on-premises, cloud, and edge environments. It is the final service pack in the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 series.

• Model: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5
• Version: 12 SP5
• Release Date: December 2017 (estimated, based on lifecycle information)
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Processor: AMD64/Intel EM64T (64-bit processors only)
  • RAM: 1 GB (recommended), 512 MB for text mode installation
  • Storage: 3.5 GB available disk space (more recommended); 45 GB for system volume for SAP applications, with additional space for swap and SAP application data (e.g., 200 GB for SAP NetWeaver, 24 GB RAM + additional for SAP HANA)
  • Display: 800 x 600 resolution (1024 x 768 or higher recommended)
• Supported Architectures: AMD64/Intel 64 (x86_64), IBM POWER (ppc64le), IBM Z (s390x)
• Latest Stable Version: SLES 12 SP5 is the latest stable version within the SLES 12 series. The overall latest stable version of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is SLES 15 SP5 (as of December 2023) or SLES 15 SP7 (as of June 2025).
• End of General Support Date: General support for SLES 12 SP5 has ended.
• End of Life Date: With Long Term Service Pack Support (LTSS), coverage extends to October 2027. LTSS Core is available until 2030.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Auto-updates are tied to the general support period. For extended updates, LTSS is required.
• License Type: Commercial, subscription-based.
• Deployment Model: On-premises, cloud, and edge environments; supports virtualization technologies like Xen and KVM.

Technical Requirements

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 is designed for enterprise-grade hardware, supporting various architectures and offering scalable resource utilization.

• RAM: Minimum 1 GB physical RAM is recommended for general installation, with 512 MB sufficient for text-mode installations. For SAP HANA deployments, a minimum of 24 GB RAM is required, with additional space for SAP HANA data partitions (e.g., /hana/data, /hana/log, /hana/shared, which can scale to terabytes).
• Processor: Requires any AMD64/Intel EM64T processor (64-bit). It also supports IBM POWER servers with PowerKVM compatibility and IBM Z mainframes.
• Storage: A minimum of 3.5 GB is needed for basic installation. For a system volume, 45 GB is required, with additional space for swap. SAP NetWeaver requires at least 200 GB free disk space, while SAP HANA requires specific partitions: 52 GB for /usr/sap, and substantial space for /hana/data (same size as RAM), /hana/log (up to 512 GB), and /hana/shared (up to 1 TB).
• Display: A display resolution of 800 x 600 is the minimum, with 1024 x 768 or higher recommended for graphical interfaces.
• Ports: Network interface card (Ethernet 10/100 or Token Ring) is required for network operations and remote access.
• Operating System: As SLES 12 SP5 is an operating system, its "requirements" refer to the underlying hardware it runs on. It supports a wide range of enterprise server hardware.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for SLES 12 SP5 highlight its versatility, ranging from minimal installations to highly demanding enterprise applications like SAP HANA. The platform is optimized for 64-bit architectures across Intel/AMD, IBM POWER, and IBM Z, demonstrating its capability to run on diverse and powerful server infrastructures. Storage and RAM requirements are highly scalable, adapting to the specific workloads, from basic server functions to large-scale database deployments. The emphasis on robust hardware support underscores its role as a foundation for critical enterprise operations.

Support & Compatibility

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 offers extensive support and compatibility options, reflecting its enterprise focus.

• Latest Version: SLES 12 SP5 is the final service pack for the SLES 12 series. SUSE's current major release is SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15, with its latest service pack being SLES 15 SP7 (as of June 2025).
• OS Support: SLES 12 SP5 supports AMD64/Intel 64 (x86_64), IBM POWER (ppc64le), and IBM Z (s390x) architectures. It is optimized to run as a high-performance guest on leading hypervisors and provides strong virtualization capabilities.
• End of Support Date: General support for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 has concluded. However, Long Term Service Pack Support (LTSS) extends coverage until October 2027, with LTSS Core available until 2030.
• Localization: SUSE provides documentation and support in multiple languages, with user reviews indicating English support is readily available.
• Available Drivers: SLES 12 SP5 includes comprehensive driver support for a wide range of enterprise hardware. Specific mentions include support for SAP HANA, IBM Power systems, and kernel driver support for AMD GPUs (as technology preview in later SLES versions, but general hardware support is robust). The multipathing drivers work with most multipath-capable storage hardware.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 demonstrates a strong commitment to enterprise-grade support and compatibility. While its general support period has ended, the availability of LTSS and LTSS Core provides extended security and maintenance, crucial for long-term deployments. Its broad hardware architecture support, including x86-64, IBM POWER, and IBM Z, ensures compatibility with diverse data center environments. The platform's optimization for virtualization and its extensive driver ecosystem further solidify its position as a reliable choice for complex enterprise IT infrastructures. Users consistently praise SUSE's support services and long lifecycle.

Security Status

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 incorporates a comprehensive suite of security features and adheres to industry best practices for hardening.

• Security Features: Includes robust local and network security mechanisms such as firewalls, access control lists (ACLs), intrusion detection with AIDE, and secure network operations via SSH and VPN. It supports AppArmor for mandatory access control and an auditing system for security-relevant events.
• Known Vulnerabilities: The system includes tools like the Spectre/Meltdown Checker to help identify and mitigate hardware-level vulnerabilities. SUSE regularly provides security updates and patches.
• Blacklist Status: No general blacklist status is indicated; SUSE is a reputable enterprise Linux vendor.
• Certifications: CIS Benchmarks are available for SLES 12, providing secure configuration guidelines and enabling compliance assessment.
• Encryption Support: Supports encryption of partitions and files, and cryptographic procedures are integral to its authentication mechanisms and VPN implementations.
• Authentication Methods: Offers a wide range of authentication methods, including Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM), Network Information Service (NIS), Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), Kerberos, and Active Directory integration.
• General Recommendations: SUSE's security guides emphasize practices such as installing and maintaining firewall configurations, avoiding vendor-supplied defaults for security parameters, protecting stored data, encrypting data transmission over public networks, protecting against malware, restricting access based on need-to-know, identifying and authenticating access to system components, and regularly testing security systems.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 offers a strong security posture, built on a foundation of comprehensive features and adherence to security standards. Its layered security approach, encompassing authentication, access control, encryption, and network protection, makes it suitable for environments with stringent security requirements. The availability of CIS Benchmarks further validates its configurability for secure deployments. Ongoing security updates and the provision of tools to address vulnerabilities like Spectre/Meltdown demonstrate SUSE's commitment to maintaining a secure platform.

Performance & Benchmarks

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 is engineered for high performance and stability in demanding enterprise environments.

• Benchmark Scores: While specific performance benchmark scores are not detailed in the provided data, CIS Benchmarks are available for secure configuration, indicating adherence to security performance standards.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: SLES 12 SP5 is optimized for critical workloads such as SAP HANA, virtualization environments, and high-performance computing (HPC). It is known for its stability and reliability, even under heavy loads. Users report it as a "robust server" for SAP HANA.
• Power Consumption: Not explicitly detailed in the provided information.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed in the provided information.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Users often compare SLES favorably to other enterprise Linux distributions, citing its reliability, long support cycles, and fewer update and compatibility challenges. It is a preferred choice for SAP environments and is seen as a solid alternative to commercial Linux OS like Red Hat.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 is recognized for its robust performance, particularly in mission-critical enterprise applications. Its optimization for SAP HANA and virtualization platforms underscores its capability to handle high-demand, resource-intensive workloads efficiently. While explicit benchmark scores are not readily available, user feedback consistently highlights its stability, reliability, and ability to maintain performance in real-world scenarios. This makes it a strong contender for organizations requiring a dependable and high-performing server operating system.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 generally reflect a positive sentiment, emphasizing its reliability and enterprise-readiness.

• Strengths:
  • Ease of Use and Operation: Users, even those with limited Linux experience, find it easy to operate and manage, with good graphical assistants for installation and configuration.
  • Stability and Reliability: Frequently praised for its stability, reliability, and well-tested software, making it a solid performer for corporate use. Updates are reliable and do not break existing workloads.
  • Long Support Cycles: The long lifecycle and extended support options (LTSS) are highly valued, allowing applications to run longer without frequent migrations.
  • Excellent Support: SUSE's support is often described as very good, knowledgeable, quick, and professional, with a comprehensive support website and knowledge base.
  • Enterprise Capabilities: Highly recommended for SAP HANA and other business-critical applications, virtualization, and as a robust enterprise Linux OS. It scales well and integrates seamlessly with various databases.
  • Security: Timely security updates and robust security features are appreciated.
• Weaknesses:
  • Package Manager Learning Curve: Some users find the package manager (zypper/YaST) less intuitive compared to others like yum.
  • Third-Party Support Gaps: Occasional issues with third-party products not always supporting SLES, or some packages being in older versions.
  • Not 100% Free: Although open-source, it's noted that it's not entirely free due to its commercial licensing model.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Running SAP applications and SAP HANA databases.
  • Virtualization environments and as a guest OS on hypervisors.
  • Enterprise servers for mission-critical workloads.
  • High-performance computing (HPC).
  • Deploying business-critical workloads on-premises, in the cloud, and at the edge.

Summary

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 is a highly regarded enterprise-grade operating system, widely recognized for its stability, reliability, and robust feature set. It serves as a dependable foundation for a broad spectrum of demanding workloads, particularly excelling in SAP environments, virtualization, and high-performance computing. The platform's strengths lie in its ease of operation, even for less experienced Linux users, coupled with a strong commitment to long-term support through its Long Term Service Pack Support (LTSS) offerings. This extended support ensures continued security and maintenance, which is critical for enterprise deployments.

Technically, SLES 12 SP5 is highly scalable, supporting diverse architectures including x86-64, IBM POWER, and IBM Z, with flexible hardware requirements that adapt from minimal installations to massive SAP HANA deployments. Its comprehensive security features, including advanced authentication methods, encryption, firewalls, and adherence to CIS Benchmarks, provide a secure environment for sensitive data and critical operations.

While user feedback occasionally points to a steeper learning curve for its package management compared to some alternatives and some gaps in third-party package availability, these are generally minor concerns overshadowed by its overall stability and the quality of SUSE's customer support. The consistent positive reviews highlight its effectiveness in providing a solid, secure, and scalable platform for enterprise IT.

In conclusion, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 is an excellent choice for organizations seeking a proven, reliable, and secure operating system for their mission-critical applications and infrastructure, especially where long-term stability and dedicated support are paramount. Its capabilities make it a strong recommendation for complex enterprise environments.

Information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.