Novell is reorganising its business to focus on two key areas - Linux and identity management.

The networking software firm's Nterprise and Linux operations will be folded into a Platform and Application Services group, CRN reports (http://www.crn.com/sections/breakingnews/dailyarchives.jhtml?articleId=46200118). Its other two business divisions, Secure iServices and Resource Management, will be brought together under a new Identity Services operation. The names of the new divisions are subject to change.

The reorganisation reflects Novell's move away from NetWare to a more diverse product and services portfolio, following its recent acquisition of open source firms SUSE and Ximian. NetWare has declined in importance for Novell, as well as the market as a whole, thanks to increased competition from Microsoft.

Former Ximian chief David Patrick will head Novell's Platform and Application Services group, while David Litwack, former head of SilverStream (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2002/06/10/novell_buys_silverstream/), another Novell acquisition, will lead its Identity Services business. They will report to Novell VP Chris Stone. ®

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