Novell has given thousands of business users of its network
operating system Netware the option of migrating to the rival Linux
operating system.
Although Novell said last week it will maintain its Netware
product, it also said it would build Netware services around the
kernel of the Linux open source operating system.
At the Brainshare event in Salt Lake City last week, Novell chief
executive Jack Messman said customers were concerned about the
future of Netware. "People have been worried about where Netware is
heading and they want a good migration path. [Novell's strategy] is
about the services, not the kernel."
Shannon Kessner, manager of Intel core services for Southwest
Airlines, said, "It provides an option. In some circles Netware is
seen as legacy. This makes a statement: Netware is embracing open
source and allows users to move forward with a choice."
