"We want to give the value proposition of the openness, and that comes directly from Linux. We also want to have the tight integration that's achieved by a single company like Microsoft for the Windows platform. So our role is to take Linux, take the innovation and make it enterprise-ready. We build in the quality, the security and the scalability," he said.

"So our objective essentially is to give you the best of both worlds. We want to give you the version of Linux that is not only open but is totally enterprise-ready. And on top of that, what we've then said is, there's a third thing that customers want. They want openness, they want industrial strength and they want interoperability. Put those all together, we think we're at a point where the IT industry (is) consolidating on two great platforms and Novell (is) playing an extremely important role in supporting both platforms but leading with Linux."

Hovsepian, Jaffe and Mundie all said customers asked for the partnership.

"So our view is, look, we're going to host applications from multiple operating systems ... within our business strategy. As (Hovsepian) described, Linux is the universal host. People don't have to have 40, 50 operating systems managing hardware. Linux is going to do that. That's going to optimize the hardware," Jaffe said.

"At the same time, all the rich applications out there, whether it's Windows or NetWare, we're going to be hosting that on top of Linux. Of course, Microsoft wants to host that on top of Windows. That's the no-brainer. It brings us together. That's the reason for the partnership."

BrainShare conference

What: A gathering of about 5,000 Novell customers, partner companies and enthusiasts from more than 83 countries to hear keynote presentations, attend breakout sessions and witness Novell product unveilings and demonstrations

Where: Salt Palace

When: Through Friday

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E-mail: bwallace@desnews.com