The Single UNIX Specification, maintained by The Open Group, is a set of specifications that define the application programming interfaces (APIs), commands, and utilities associated with a Unix system. The main goal of SUS is to ensure interoperability, compatibility, and consistency among Unix and Unix-like operating systems.
When an operating system or a product is Unix certified, it means that it has been tested and verified to meet the requirements specified by the SUS and/or POSIX standards.
Unix certification is particularly important for businesses and organizations that rely on Unix-based systems, as it helps ensure a consistent and reliable computing environment. However, it is important to note that many Unix-like operating systems, such as Linux distributions, are not Unix certified, yet they still remain highly compatible and widely used in various applications.
The Single UNIX Specification goes through revisions and updates to adapt to the evolving needs of the Unix ecosystem.
Unix Certified Operating Systems
- AIX (Advanced Interactive eXecutive) – IBM server and workstation OS by IBM
- HP-UX (Hewlett Packard Unix) by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (formerly HP)
- Solaris – desktop (workstation) and now mostly server OS by Sun Microsystems, later acquired by Oracle
- macOS – laptop and desktop OS by Apple Inc
- Inspur K-UX – Linux distribution made and distributed by Inspur
