Novell has followed through on the rumours and announced that 16 per cent (about 900 people) of its US workforce are to go. The lay-offs come from across the company and will "free up dollars", according to CEO Eric Schmidt, to be spent on sales and marketing of the new One Net concept.

Ironically, the announcement has come on the same day as Microsoft UK is celebrating its 25th birthday (and we are all heading off to a party soon to sup on its free beers).

Although it looks nasty - and the share price got a bit depressed about it as well - Novell still (as ever) has some good kit. By getting some money together and streamlining its sales force perhaps this time it can finally take the fight to Microsoft. We're are not putting our money on it as yet though. ®

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Novell to cut quarter of its workforce?