Novell has acquired Ximian, one of the major drivers
behind the Gnome project to create a Linux-based desktop and Mono,
software that allows applications developed under Microsoft's .net
to run on Linux and Unix.
Novell officials hope the acquisition will also boost its
ability to support Linux-based products and enable it to add a
full-featured Linux desktop to its lineup of groupware and systems
management products, thereby accelerating the acceptance of Linux
among enterprise users.
"Customers still face two key business issues: how to provide
cost-effective management and maintenance of Linux systems, and how
to deploy and support low-cost Linux desktops within the
organisation. We think we can deliver leading solutions for both,"
said Jack Messman, chairman and chief executive officer of
Novell.
"Just as importantly, Ximian brings us Linux expertise, and
strengthens our ability to work with and using open-source
initiatives more constructively," he said.
Key to the deal is the Ximian Desktop 2 product, a complete
Linux desktop environment that has an integrated suite of Linux
desktop applications capable of supporting Windows file formats and
networks.
The company's Ximian Evolution software integrates e-mail,
calendaring, contact management, and task lists that are all part
of one package.
The product is compatible with Microsoft's Exchange server and
Sun Microsystems ONE, and sometime this year will support Novell's
GroupWise product.
Ximian founders Miguel de Icaza and Nat Friedman also founded
the Gnome and Mono projects, and they will continue to lead both
initiatives at Novell, said De Icaza, chief technology officer of
Ximian and now chief technology officer for the Ximian Services
business unit of Novell.
"It's a huge step forward for the open-source community to gain
strong support from a company like Novell. Initiatives like Gnome
and Mono will only improve with Novell's resources behind them," De
Icaza said.
Ed Scannell writes for InfoWorld