Novell has officially launched its Linux-compatible Open
Enterprise Server at this week’s LinuxWorld conference in
Boston.
The server combines Novell NetWare and SuSE Linux Enterprise
Server services to deliver a file, print, server management,
enterprise collaboration and application services solution.
"Novell Open Enterprise Server brings together the best of
Novell and the best of Linux," said Jack Messman, Novell chief
executive officer.
"Open Enterprise Server truly gives customers flexibility,
allowing them to manage their enterprise in a way that makes sense
for them, without being confined to a particular platform or
supplier, and without the costly 'rip-and-replace' approach to
migration," he said.
The server has won backing from hardware and chip suppliers
including AMD, Dell, HP, and Intel. Security software companies
McAfee and Trend Micro have all given support. These companies said
they will bring out solutions supporting OES in the near
future.
Novell said OES is aimed at NetWare users wanting to gradually
migrate to Linux and Windows NT users who also want to migrate to
open-source solutions.
"Organisations are seeking ways to lower overall costs while
making their IT investments deliver real business value," said Dan
Kusnetzky, an analyst at IDC. "It’s likely that Novell will help
make Linux a better fit for large-scale deployments in an
organisation."
Established NetWare users are still waiting, however, for Novell
to produce a roadmap for the future development of NetWare
development, independent of Linux. There is concern among some
users that Novell is considering pulling the plug on future
development, in the light of its commitment to Linux.
Faced with similar pressure regarding its commitment to its
GroupWise collaboration package, Novell last week published a
four-year roadmap for future development.
Novell Open Enterprise Server will be available in early March
and pricing remains unchanged from current NetWare pricing.
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