Novell + Linux

A year ago, Novell Inc.'s top executive publicly linked the company's future to the Linux computer operating system. On Monday, he proclaimed success in steering Novell to that open-source model but cautioned that the company's work has only begun.

Speaking to thousands of people at Novell's annual weeklong BrainShare conference at the Salt Palace, chairman and CEO Jack Messman listed several corporate and product initiatives undertaken or planned as Novell's relationship with Linux grows tighter.

"I hope that you will agree that we have delivered on the promises we made to you at BrainShare last year," Messman said. "As important as this effort is, it's only a first step, only a beginning of Novell's efforts to offer you more choices through Linux."

Messman, whose Massachusetts-based company has about 2,000 workers in Provo, said Novell has kept its promises to deliver on its "one Net" goal through Linux, a competitor with Microsoft Corp.'s Windows operating system.

"We're making some real progress in proving the validity of Linux, and we'd like your help as we continue forward. We will continue at the forefront in promoting Linux development," he said.

"You put all these pieces together, it's clear that Novell has become, in the space of one year, the only company in the world that can offer a full stack of Linux solutions, worldwide technical support, education and consulting services and legal copyright protection."

He described 2003 as "exciting."

"I've delivered on my promises and commit to continued R&D efforts with regard to the software service and solutions Novell will provide in both the Linux and NetWare platforms," he said. "The year ahead looks even brighter. Novell is committed to giving our customers and partners profitable choices in today's increasingly complex and competitive world. That's what the 'one Net' vision is all about."

Since the 2003 BrainShare, Novell has acquired Linux software developer Ximian and Linux distributor Suse Linux. Messman set the stage for Linux on the desktop in coming months.

"We do not seek to change the open-source model. We embrace it. Our understanding of the enterprise software market and our marrying of this understanding with Linux puts Novell in a unique position to drive the transformation of Linux from the periphery to the data center," Messman said.