openSUSE has introduced Leap Micro 6.0, a rebranded version of SUSE Linux Enterprise Micro 6.0, the most recent update of its highly reliable and immutable container and virtual machine host tailored for edge computing applications.

Two main variations of the distro are now available: Base and Default. While both include a container stack, the Default variant additionally provides a Virtual Machine stack for users in need of VM capabilities.

The Base variant, on the other hand, is more lightweight in terms of space requirements, catering to users who do not require VM support. The Default variant is the default selection at the official distribution site, geared towards meeting the needs of the majority.

Key Features of openSUSE Leap Micro 6.0

The latest update of openSUSE Leap Micro 6.0 brings significant changes to its installation processes, transitioning entirely to image-based deployment methods. This update replaces the traditional installer with self-install images that streamline device setup.

These images come in various formats, such as QCOW for KVM, VMDK for VMware, and generic raw images, supporting multiple hardware architectures like x86_64, aarch64, and s390x.

One notable addition is the incorporation of a real-time (RT) kernel option for systems requiring precise timing and performance, albeit restricted to container use only without KVM support.

In response to the security challenges of edge deployments, SUSE has bolstered the security measures of Leap Micro 6.0 with full disk encryption (FDE). This feature is vital for deployments in less secure environments, providing an extra layer of data protection.

Furthermore, the update signifies a transition in the supported security frameworks. Leap Micro 6.0 fully endorses SELinux by default, offering a robust security framework suitable for its deployment scenarios.

Highlighting containerization, Leap Micro 6.0 integrates the latest version of Podman, upgrading from 4.3.X to 4.7.1, significantly enhancing container network performance, IPv6 support, and overall container management. Users upgrading from earlier Podman versions may need to make considerable configuration adjustments.

With the release of openSUSE Leap Micro 6.0, legacy BIOS support on x86_64 systems is gradually phased out in preparation for future releases fully embracing UEFI. Additionally, the LTTng tool for performance tracing is fading out, making room for newer technologies like bpftrace.

openSUSE Leap Micro 5.4 has officially reached its End-of-Life with the introduction of Leap Micro 6.0. Users of version 5.4 will no longer receive maintenance updates, necessitating an upgrade.

For users preferring stability and fewer update cycles, Leap Micro 5.5 remains supported and will continue to receive updates until the release of Leap Micro 6.1.

Managing system administration is made easier with Cockpit, pre-installed by default. Following installation, simply enable the service by running:

systemctl enable --now cockpit.sockerCode language: Bash (bash)

Access Cockpit’s web-based administration by navigating to “https://server-ip-address:9090” in your browser to take advantage of its functionalities.

Comprehensive online documentation is available for those in need of setup or migration assistance, offering detailed guides on deploying images, managing upgrades from previous versions, and utilizing new features.

Detailed information on all changes can be found in the release notes. All image variants, including those without the virtualization stack, can be downloaded from openSUSE’s official website.