In this episode ofThe New Stack Makers,Pete Smailsoutlines howSUSEis evolving from its Linux roots into an AI-native infrastructure platform. Speaking atKubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe 2026, Smails explains the company’s strategy to unify AI, containers and virtual machines on a single open, enterprise-ready foundation. Central to this isSUSE Rancher Prime, which enables consistent orchestration across hybrid and multi-cloud environments, alongsideSUSE Virtualizationfor modernizing legacy systems.

A key innovation is “Liz,” a context-aware AI agent embedded in Rancher Prime that helps engineers identify vulnerabilities, troubleshoot deployments and interact with infrastructure using natural language. Unlike generic AI tools, Liz understands real-time cluster states and uses Model Context Protocol to deliver actionable insights.

Smails emphasizes developer experience as critical to adoption, highlighting Rancher Developer Access for simplified local Kubernetes workflows. Overall, SUSE aims to deliver secure, automated infrastructure that reduces complexity while accelerating cloud-native and AI adoption.

Learn more from The New Stack around the latest around SUSE:

SUSE Displays Enhanced Enterprise Linux at SECESSION

SUSE Launches a Sovereign Premium Support Service for EU Customers

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How SUSE positions itself as the infrastructure layer for the AI era

The New Stack Podcast