Novell ships desktop Linux for the enterprise

Novell has announced the availability of its next-generation Linux desktop for enterprise customers: Novell Linux Desktop 9, powered by SUSE Linux.

Backed by Novell`s extensive enterprise-level support, training and consulting services, Novell Linux Desktop 9 provides an end-user desktop platform designed specifically to help businesses leverage Linux and open source software with confidence.

Novell`s partner network is also prepared to assist customers in adopting Novell Linux Desktop. Built on the same enterprise-proven software as SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9, Novell Linux Desktop features the same first-rate security and reliability as Novell`s server products.

"In recent years, the IT industry has been asking when Linux will be ready to take on the desktop," says Stafford Masie, managing director, Novell SA. "Novell is focusing its enterprise desktop efforts on Linux deployments where users can gain the most benefit. Novell Linux Desktop is not about the wholesale replacement of your Windows systems, but rather it`s about identifying where and when an open source desktop can be a sensible, cost-effective alternative. In our pragmatic view, the time is now for specific desktop users to reap the benefits of open source."

While Novell Linux Desktop is an excellent general-purpose desktop platform, Novell Linux Desktop beta testers have been successfully testing the software with their transaction workers, such as call centre operators and service counter personnel. Novell Linux Desktop is also particularly adept in other special-purpose roles such as information kiosks and stations for intermittent PC users. Desktop Linux has also attracted significant interest as a replacement for traditionally high-cost Unix-based technical workstations.

Novell`s entry into the desktop Linux space changes the market dynamics by introducing a long-trusted player experienced in providing the services enterprises demand. Novell has the necessary credentials to do this with its Linux software, expertise and proven innovation obtained through its acquisition of open source software leaders SUSE Linux and Ximian. Novell is ready to meet all the computing needs of many enterprise users today.

Novell Linux Desktop 9 comes ready to use, complete with an end-user operating system, office applications and productivity tools that support users with capabilities they are used to. This gives customers additional savings as they don`t need to purchase an operating system licence and then pay for expensive office applications on top.

Novell Linux Desktop includes:

* The Novell edition of OpenOffice.org, providing a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation suite compatible with Microsoft Office file formats.

* Mozilla Firefox, a fast, full-featured browser that adheres to Internet standards and features innovations such as tabbed browsing and pop-up blocking.

* Novell Evolution, the most complete and widely used collaboration client for Linux. Evolution seamlessly integrates e-mail, calendaring, contact management, and task lists into one easy-to-use application.

* Integration with Novell ZENworks Linux Management, allowing administrators to easily deploy, configure and manage Linux desktops from a central location, providing enterprise-level IT control over software deployment, remote management, and updates and patches across the entire organisation.

Novell Linux Desktop 9 eliminates the need for customers to pay much higher desktop licence fees charged by other vendors. Novell wants to expand the benefits of open source software to more users. Therefore, Novell and the open source community will continue to add applications and functionality to the Linux desktop to attract enterprise customers seeking lower cost, more choice, increased security and top-end performance.

Novell does not rule out general replacement of Windows and other proprietary operating systems with Novell Linux Desktop. Novell expects government and education customers will be active early adopters because many of these organisations are seeking to avoid single-vendor lock-in of their desktop systems. While some are exploring their options to simplify their desktop infrastructure with a complete move to Linux, others are investigating an appropriate blend of proprietary and open source desktop systems.

Novell Linux Desktop 9 will be available from the middle of November through Novell channel partners. For more information, visit http://www.novell.com/desktop.