Novell to provide support to early-stage companies

Novell Inc. on Tuesday said it will set aside space at its Provo facilities and provide other help for startup and early-stage companies that are involved in designing and developing "open source" computer applications.

The announcement came during BrainShare, an annual user conference this week at the Salt Palace.

Novell sells infrastructure software products that run in the open-source environment, where developers improve and make available for free the Linux computer operating system.

The company said Tuesday that its Novell Open Source Technology Center in Provo would "promote innovation in the design and development of open-source-based applications, fueling this fast-growing market. New and growing companies will benefit from Novell's business, technical and operational expertise."

Novell will begin by letting startup and early-stage open-source software companies use up to 25,000 square feet of office space. It also will offer office, business and technical services, as well as the opportunity for investment capital.

The office space should become available in the third quarter, and Novell will use its Web site to inform prospective companies about specific features and terms of the facilities and services arrangements.

"Open source is driving innovation in the software industry," Jack Messman, Novell chairman and chief executive officer, said in a prepared statement. "The Novell Open Source Technology Center is intended to provide a launching pad for new ideas, products and solutions, in a state known for its contributions to technology."

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