SUSE, an open source software firm, has released its latest OpenStack-based application designed to reduce costs and make deployment easier for users.

The SUSE Cloud 2.0, an updated version of the firm’s OpenStack application for building infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), is based on the OpenStack Grizzly releaseand supports Microsoft Hyper-V, KVM, Xen and VMware environments.

This level of support, which is facilitated by an improved installation process leveraged, should enable users to build their clouds more efficiently.

SUSE, founded in 1992, said the installation services are integrated with the Crowbar software framework, an open source project sponsored by Dell.

Another key update is support for SUSE Studio, which enables developers to easily build and deploy Linux software appliances.

Michael Miller, VP of global alliances and marketing for SUSE, said: "SUSE Cloud gives enterprise customers the ability to innovate faster and improve resource utilisation, all while mitigating risk.

"Enterprises enjoy greater choice as they benefit from open source development reinforced with stability and security."

Other features full-time support for OpenStack Block Storage and OpenStack Networkinand, while users can also maximise investments previously made in traditional data centre environments.

Lew Tucker, VP and CTO of cloud computing at Cisco, added: "SUSE and Cisco are both focused on making the data center more flexible to provide increased agility to our customers.

"With integrated support for UCS Manager and the Cisco drivers for OpenStack networking in SUSE Cloud 2.0, our joint customers can rapidly deploy on-demand IT services with OpenStack, including full enterprise support."