Novell Continues Linux Market Leadership in China

WALTHAM, Mass. – Feb. 28, 2006 – New research from CCID Consulting, China’s leading industry analyst firm, shows Novell continues to lead the Linux* market in China. Novell holds a 25.1 per cent share of the Linux market in China, surpassing other local and international Linux distributors. Novell’s success in China reflects a strong commitment to Chinese open source development and to Novell’s growing customer base in this rapidly expanding market.

“Looking back at China’s Linux Market in 2005, we can see that Novell was no doubt the biggest star,” said Qian Lei, Computer and Software Analyst, CCID Consulting. “Novell has gained good results from its investment in China’s Linux market. In 2005, Novell revenue topped the Linux market in China with a total market share of 25.1 per cent, illustrating strong competitiveness for Novell in China.”

CCID Consulting’s research looks at Linux market dynamics and development trends, and includes forecasts for the next five years. CCID Consulting’s report finds Novell with a Linux leadership position in China, outpacing both local Chinese Linux distributors as well as other global Linux vendors in adoption by Chinese customers. Novell strengthened its position in China in 2005, establishing new research and development, technical support and training facilities, fortifying partnerships with CS2C, Hua Wei, ZTE, Neusoft, and Skybility, and serving customers like People’s Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of Communications Shanghai Branch, and the China Meteorological Administration. Novell also launched a Chinese language version of its openSUSE project at openSUSE.org.cn, the first global Linux distributor with a dedicated Chinese site. To date, there have been nearly 100,000 visitors to Novell’s openSUSE site in China.

“Novell has made a strong commitment to China,” said Sen Ming Chang, managing director of Novell’s East Asia region. “With our new R&D Centre and a local support facility, our localized version of our community distribution, openSUSE.org.cn, and expanded offices, our investment is paying off in a growing customer base here. We will continue to lead through superior delivery of a complete customer experience.”

About Novell

Novell, Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVL) delivers Software for the Open EnterpriseTM. 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.