Novell's Linux desktop takes battle to Windows
Novell has started shipping Novell Linux Desktop 9, the latest version of its Linux desktop for enterprise users.
The operating system provides a desktop platform based on open source software. It includes the Novell Edition of Open Office, providing a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation suite which Novell said is compatible with Microsoft Office file formats and the Mozilla Firefox web browser.
It also includes Novell Evolution, a collaboration client, which provides integrated e-mail, calendaring, contact management, and task lists in a single application.
System management is included via Zenworks Linux Management, allowing administrators to deploy, configure and manage desktops from a central location. Zenworks also offers control of software deployment, remote management, and updates and patch management.
Novell Linux Desktop 9 costs £27 per system, including upgrades and updates for a year.
Forrester research found that less than half of firms plan to replace Windows systems with Linux desktops.
