Novell Linux Suite Takes Aim At Small Firms

Novell’s first Linux-based small-business suite is taking the popular Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 head on, and is even challenging Novell’s own NetWare Small Business Suite 6.5.

The Novell Linux Small Business Suite 9 incorporates Suse Enterprise Linux 9, Novell Linux Desktop, GroupWise 6.5, eDirectory 8.7.3 and Novell iManager and will be sold exclusively through the channel.

At the official launch at BrainShare this spring, Novell Chairman and CEO Jack Messman emphasized that customers can use either the

Novell Linux Desktop client or Windows desktop. He also said the new offering allows small businesses to take advantage of existing investments in Windows and NetWare and move to Linux at their own pace. Earlier this year, Novell released its Open Enterprise Server, which integrates Linux and NetWare services into a single server for NetWare customers of any size that are considering a migration to Linux.

The suite is priced at $475 and includes five free user licenses, or $252 for users of Microsoft Windows Small Business Server or Novell NetWare Small Business Suite 6.5 who upgrade to Novell Linux. The price includes support for up to 100 users and three servers, Messman said.

Several partners of Waltham, Mass.-based Novell, including Syncsort and Open Systems, have already said their products would support the new package.

Novell partners say the timing of the new offering is perfect, as there is growing customer interest in a Linux suite. “Many of our clients see great value in pursuing the small-business server product. It affords them the ability to have the most popular Novell programs at a lower cost than if they purchased the products separately,” said Brent Boisvert, senior engineer at solution provider Polar Systems, Portland, Ore.