SUSE gives retail the Edge with new suite

Key Takeaways

SUSE Edge 3.2 and SUSE Edge Suite provide retailers with enhanced operational efficiency, robust security, and the ability to accelerate innovation with flexible, open-source solutions tailored for retail edge scenarios.

Key features of SUSE Edge 3.2 include validated designs for easy deployment, automation for cost-effective lifecycle management, and zero-touch deployment, all aimed at optimizing edge operations and supporting AI/ML workloads.

In a competitive retail landscape, SUSE's solutions empower retailers to address critical needs such as fraud detection, responsive merchandising, and real-time inventory management to improve customer experiences and reduce costs.

SUSE has announced new updates for its SUSE Edge solutions for retail, including SUSE Edge 3.2 and SUSE Edge Suite, as showcased at this week’s at the National Retail Federation (NRF) 2025 conference.

SUSE Edge Suite is a comprehensive bundle that combines capabilities from SUSE’s Linux and Rancher offerings into a complete solution for Retail Edge scenarios. Benefits reported by SUSE include:

  • Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Reduced Costs: SUSE’s edge solutions aim to ensure consistent and reliable performance across stores, warehouses, and beyond, resulting in improved operational efficiency and reduced costs.
  • Robust Security: With SUSE’s security features, retailers can protect critical systems, such as point-of-sale (POS) systems and customer data, from cyber threats and exfiltration, and ensure compliance.
  • Accelerated Innovation: SUSE’s flexible open source platform supports the rapid deployment of new capabilities and use cases that enhance customer experience and drive business growth. This includes use cases such as responsive merchandizing and smart payments that build on technologies such as data analytics, automation, and AI/ML.
  • Fraud Detection and Prevention: With SUSE’s edge solutions, data is processed real-time, allowing for quick identification and notification of suspicious activities. This enables eCommerce platforms to take immediate action to prevent fraud.

SUSE Edge Suite is based on SUSE Edge 3.2, the latest version of its edge computing platform. Newly launched SUSE Edge 3.2 includes a number of new features and enhancements, including:

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  • Validated designs that ensure consistent and easy deployment on commonly used hardware and system architectures
  • Automation to lower the cost of lifecycle management – image build patch and deploy
  • Flexible pricing models and bundles that align with the varied business models and scale needs of retailers.
  • Zero touch deployment
  • Highly integrated comprehensive edge stack that supports AI/ML workloads, and GenAI models deployed by the retailers.

“SUSE is committed to delivering edge solutions that empower retailers to succeed in today’s competitive environment,” said Keith Basil, SUSE’s General Manager for the Edge Business Unit. “SUSE Edge Suite and SUSE Edge 3.2 are transformative for retailers needing a comprehensive set of tools and capabilities to optimize their edge operations, enhance security, and accelerate innovation.”

SUSE’s solutions come hot on the heels of recent retail innovations by SAPGoogle Cloud, Salesforce, Oracle, IBM and more. The solutions come to address critical needs for retailers and provide open infrastructure software to create innovative solutions. These include responsive merchandizing, fraud and theft prevention, real-time inventory management, and smart payment systems for improved customer experiences, reduced costs,  and staff efficiency.

What This Means for ERP Insiders

Retail enterprises are increasingly turning to edge computing solutions to enhance efficiency, security, and innovation. At the National Retail Federation (NRF) 2025 conference, SUSE announced significant updates to its SUSE Edge solutions, unveiling SUSE Edge 3.2 and SUSE Edge Suite. These offerings provide a powerful, integrated solution designed to address the unique challenges faced by retailers operating in dynamic, distributed environments.

Key Benefits of SUSE Edge Solutions

  • Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Cost Reduction
    SUSE Edge Suite integrates SUSE Linux and Rancher, enabling retailers to streamline their edge operations across stores, warehouses, and distribution centers. This results in greater consistency, reliability, and automation, leading to improved operational efficiency and reduced costs. Features such as zero-touch deployment and validated designs ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure, allowing retailers to focus on delivering superior customer experiences rather than managing IT complexities.
  • Robust Security for Retail Environments
    Security remains a top priority for retail businesses, particularly with the increasing threats targeting point-of-sale (POS) systems and customer data. SUSE’s latest updates introduce enhanced security features that safeguard critical retail operations from cyber threats and data breaches. Real-time data processing capabilities also facilitate fraud detection and prevention, enabling swift identification of suspicious transactions and immediate action against potential threats. Compliance with industry regulations is further simplified through SUSE’s integrated security tools.
  • Accelerated Innovation and AI/ML Integration
    SUSE Edge Suite fosters innovation by providing a flexible, open-source platform that supports the rapid deployment of next-generation retail solutions. With support for AI/ML workloads and generative AI models, retailers can leverage data-driven insights to enhance customer experiences, optimize inventory management, and introduce smart payment systems. This capability positions businesses to adopt cutting-edge technologies such as responsive merchandising and automated decision-making, ensuring they stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

SUSE’s latest advancements reinforce its commitment to empowering retailers with scalable, secure, and intelligent edge solutions. By addressing key industry pain points—ranging from operational inefficiencies to security threats and the need for rapid innovation—SUSE Edge 3.2 and SUSE Edge Suite equip retailers with the tools necessary to thrive in an evolving market. As the retail sector continues to embrace digital transformation, SUSE’s edge solutions stand as a pivotal enabler of sustainable growth and enhanced customer engagement.