Stafford Masie`s return to Novell SA will take the subsidiary into government, better partnering, investment in "people of colour" and a move for the enterprise.
Explaining the Novell value proposition, Masie says desktops and operating systems have been commoditised with the advent of Linux and open source software (OSS) packages like Open Office. "The real value lies in the services around the operating system."
He says moving from a network operating system into a Linux company was a "logical progression".
"Customers don`t buy a network operating system [NOS]. They buy applications and services around it. Today, we offer a NetWare stack, of which the kernel may be Linux or NetWare. The addition of OSS brings standards-based computing and hence interoperability and choice into the mix."
Much of Novell`s portfolio runs on Linux already, and by the end of next year, all services should, with a new version of the NOS.
Putting it on the desktop
"It is not our strategy to try and unseat Microsoft on the desktop [desktop Linux in government being a big focus this year]," says Masie. "We offer a software and services stack around the new choice of kernel [NetWare or Linux]. We`re simply saying the customer now has a choice to replace a commodity, which people typically use 2%-5% of, with something that comes a lot cheaper, namely a network operating system, Open Office, and, if they want messaging, Ximian."
Novell will make its money on managing desktops (of whatever platform), integration into server platforms, secure identity management, directories, software deployment, in short, its "stack" of services. Its Linux push will also involve language localisation.
Making "the best" available
Masie is forthright about what he sees as Novell`s strength in directories, file systems and operating system know-how, but admits its partnerships and marketing have lacked somewhat.
"We know that we have a full management stack, huge expertise, and can now offer standards-based computing and strengthen the Linux value by adding worldwide support and partnerships to what has been a regionally fragmented distribution. We will aggressively target partnerships with the best consulting and best practices, hardware, software, training and installation partners."
Shoring up partner strength and its own reach will nullify many of the problems enterprises and government have had with Linux`s support, long-term viability and accountability, he adds. "Today we are the biggest Linux vendor in the world. Linux needs us," says Masie.
Colour in numbers
Masie also wants to raise awareness of Linux, and tap organisations like the Shuttleworth Foundation for its drive of the social aspects of the OSS movement. It wants to establish business forums and will collaborate with other Linux vendors, including IBM, to drive awareness.
Finally, he plans to introduce a black economic empowerment campaign shortly, which will feed skills back into the partner base.
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