Linux Today - Two on Novell's Big Linux Moves

Computerworld: Novell Adopts Linux as NetWare Migration Path

"Faced with the reality of a steadily falling share of the network operating system market, Novell Inc. today answered the NetWare migration question. And the answer is Linux.

"At its annual BrainShare user and partner conference here, Novell executives announced that NetWare 7, due out in approximately two years, will be a set of services that sits on top of both the NetWare and Linux kernels.

"'We are not dropping NetWare; we are adding Linux. This is not a departure from NetWare,' said Jack Messman, Novell's chairman and CEO. 'We will not abandon you, and you need not abandon us,' Messman told the Novell faithful in his keynote speech..."

PR: Novell GroupWise Welcomes Linux and Mac Users to Secure, Efficient Collaboration

Novell today announced a Novell GroupWise client for Linux and Macintosh desktops, giving customers additional choices for taking advantage of the most trusted and secure messaging platform in the industry. The Java-based GroupWise client for Linux and Macintosh is based on technology Novell acquired from N-iX, a division of Newcomp Computer Systems. It will be available to customers later this year.

"The mixed technology found in customer organizations today requires savvy vendors who can tie it all together with proven and secure solutions, and that's what Novell does best," said Alan Nugent, Novell chief technology officer. "The GroupWise client for Linux and Macintosh lets customers use GroupWise to increase collaboration security and reduce costs while deploying the desktop systems that make the most sense for their business. Making systems play together so business is more profitable is Novell's vision of one Net, and we're building it into every solution we provide."

A Novell Nterprise solution, GroupWise handles e-mail, calendaring, instant messaging, contact management, document management and workflow services across network operating systems including Novell NetWare and Windows NT/2000.

The GroupWise client for Linux and Mac comes on the heels of Novell's shipping of GroupWise 6.5 last month, further strengthening the market-proven collaboration solution currently used by more than 34 million people. GroupWise 6.5 caters to the way people really work, giving them access to their information when and where they need it through the client or Web browser via desktop and laptop computers, wireless telephones, PDAs and RIM devices. GroupWise 6.5 now includes GroupWise Messenger for secure instant messaging within the enterprise.

Kevin Johnston, IT director for the U.S. Army's Utility Helicopters Project Management Office, said, "Our primary form of day-to-day communication is e-mail, and GroupWise 6.5 gives our mix of on-the-road and in-the-office users the reliable tools they need to stay in touch and take care of critical business immediately. The benefits we derive from GroupWise are numerous, such as the efficiency of improved contact management and the time savings GroupWise anti-spam features give users and administrators. The user-friendly interface means our users can be productive quickly whether they are brand new or long-time power users."

IDC Research Vice President Mark Levitt said, "Recognizing that not everyone does Windows, Novell is broadening the audience for its secure and mobile/wireless collaboration with GroupWise for Linux and Mac users. This platform support, along with the rich functionality Novell includes as standard, fully integrated parts of every GroupWise license, gives customers more reason to choose GroupWise."

Novell GroupWise is part of Novell Nterprise, a set of services that improve communication, simplify and automate network management, and allow workers to be productive regardless of location, device or platform. For more information, visit http://www.novell.com/products/groupwise.