Novell Delivers an Open, Low-Cost Alternative to Microsoft

MARKHAM, Ont. – May 9, 2006 – Novell today announced the Novell® Open Workgroup Suite is now available worldwide, giving customers an open, low-cost alternative to the Windows-centric solution many perceive as their only option. The first workgroup suite for the open enterprise that provides organizations with a flexible and cost-effective solution based on proven, standards-based software, the Novell Open Workgroup Suite includes server and desktop components with powerful management tools, collaboration capabilities and the most advanced open source office products in the market. Compared to a similar Microsoft* solution, the Novell suite can save customers up to 70 per cent.

“Our customers like choice when it comes to configuring their IT infrastructure,” said Parker Pearson, director of marketing for Novell partner Advanced Logic Industries. “They need certain desktop application functionality to meet the demands of their users, but they don’t want to feel locked in or pay for more functionality than their environment may need. Our customers look to us to provide them with flexible options and cost-effective technology solutions, and the Novell Open Workgroup Suite allows us to do just that.”

Novell Open Workgroup Suite customers can choose from two options. For deployment with Linux* servers and any desktop platform, the suite includes Novell Open Enterprise Server (with SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server), Novell GroupWise® for collaboration, Novell ZENworks® Suite for cross-platform systems management, Novell Linux Desktop and the popular OpenOffice.org for Windows* and Linux. The suite is also available in a cross-platform version that allows deployment of the same suite components on any supported platform. The Novell Open Workgroup Suite is also the replacement for the Novell Small Business Suite and Novell Linux Small Business Suite, with an upgrade path for customers of these products.

Jeff Jaffe, Novell executive vice president and chief technology officer, said, “Our customers are seeking cost-effective, secure and reliable alternatives to proprietary workgroup solutions. The Open Workgroup Suite was created in response to the market’s demand for greater choice and flexibility and is a perfect example of our strategy to source and deliver the best blend of technologies based on open standards and open source. As a result, customers receive the best innovation, the right packaging and a competitive price.”

Pricing

Pricing for the Linux platform version of the Novell Open Workgroup Suite starts with a rental option for approximately CDN$114 per year or approximately $156 per device/user for a perpetual license. The cross-platform version of the suite is approximately $213 per user/device for a perpetual license. Annual maintenance is also available, and upgrade pricing is available to existing customers of Open Enterprise Server, NetWare®, GroupWise, ZENworks or competing products. For more information and pricing details, visit http://www.novell.com/products/openworkgroupsuite.

About Novell

Novell, Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVL) delivers Software for the Open Enterprise*. With more than 50,000 customers in 43 countries, Novell helps customers manage, simplify, secure and integrate their technology environments by leveraging best-of-breed, open standards-based software. With over 20 years of experience, more than 5,000 employees, 5,000 partners and support centres around the world, Novell helps customers gain control over their IT operating environment while reducing cost. More information about Novell can be found at http://www.novell.com.

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