Novell Extends Open Source Leadership with SUSE Linux 10.1

BOSTON (LinuxWorld Conference & Expo) – April 3, 2006 – Novell today announced the upcoming availability of SUSE® Linux 10.1, the newest version of Novell’s award-winning community Linux* distribution. The first version of SUSE Linux created in full partnership with the open source community, SUSE Linux 10.1 features more than 1,500 software packages containing the latest open source innovations such as the new OpenOffice.org office suite, Firefox* Web browser and multimedia tools, and delivers them to users in a single stabilized distribution. It also includes extensive desktop innovations for both GNOME and KDE users. As a result, SUSE Linux 10.1 provides everything a user needs to get started with Linux while showcasing the very best the open source community has to offer.

“SUSE Linux 10.1 is a watershed accomplishment for Novell and the members of the openSUSE community,” said Andreas Jaeger, Novell’s chief maintainer of SUSE Linux. “Working with the community, we have extended and improved every element of the distribution to give the best possible desktop experience to first-time Linux users, while continuing to stabilize, integrate and provide the latest open source packages for experienced engineers.”

SUSE Linux 10.1 provides a full-featured desktop designed especially for the new Linux user. It includes the latest version of the popular Firefox Web browser; the latest version of the Windows-compatible OpenOffice.org 2.0 office suite complete with support for Visual Basic macros; e-mail and instant messaging clients; graphics creation, editing and management applications; and important security tools like spam blockers, anti-virus software and an integrated firewall. Other new and updated features include the fully integrated Beagle* desktop search engine, the amaroK and Banshee music players for the playing of MP3 files on Linux, Xgl core rendering technology for richer graphical experiences for Linux desktop users, enhanced power management, and the Network Manager networking applet.

Also included in SUSE Linux 10.1 are proprietary software packages such as Adobe* Reader, RealPlayer*, Macromedia* Flash Player and Java*, plus a variety of features that simplify Windows-to-Linux migration. Users can replace their existing operating system with Linux or install Linux alongside it to experience Linux in a “trial” setting, without affecting their existing software installations.

In addition to its “new-user” desktop features, SUSE Linux 10.1 delivers the most advanced open source tools for experienced engineers and Linux enthusiasts. SUSE Linux 10.1 includes the latest server and development packages so it can be quickly set up for home networks, Web hosting or application development. It includes a completely integrated Xen 3.0 virtualization environment, YaST system administration and easy-to-use application-level security services through Novell® AppArmor.

SUSE Linux 10.1 was created by the openSUSE* project, the Novell-sponsored community initiative that promotes the use of Linux everywhere. The openSUSE project has more than 22,000 registered members, and SUSE Linux 10.0 recently topped 1.3 million verified installations. Novell is a leading supporter of open source software initiatives across the industry, including key projects such as YaST, AppArmor, Mono®, GNOME, KDE, Evolution and OpenOffice.org. The openSUSE project was recently named the best open source innovation of 2005 by PC World magazine in Germany.

Availability and Pricing

Developer builds of SUSE Linux 10.1 are available today at openSUSE.org. The finished version, for standard 32-bit, AMD* Athlon* 64, Intel* EM64T and IBM* PowerPC processors, will be released for free download at openSUSE.org in late April. The retail edition of SUSE Linux 10.1, which supports 32-bit, AMD Athlon 64 and Intel EM64T processors, will soon follow, delivering the same packages as the downloadable version for approximately CDN$85. In addition, the retail box includes an installable DVD and CDs, a comprehensive user manual, and 90 days of installation support. For retail locations and more information, visit http://www.novell.com/products/suselinux/resellers/index.html. For more on the openSUSE project, visit http://www.opensuse.org.

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.