Novell ports network service to Linux

Novell yesterday fleshed out its plans to make port its network services platform to Linux, with the announcement of Novell Nterprise Linux Services.

Available later this year, Novell Nterprise Linux Services will provide an integrated package for file, print, messaging, directory and management services that runs on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SuSE Linux Enterprise Server distributions.

Dell, HP and IBM are among hardware vendors that have committed to resell Novell's Linux service.Novell plans to launch "comprehensive Novell technical support, training and consulting services for Linux" with the release of Nterprise Linux Services later this year.

The initial version of Novell Nterprise Linux Services includes identity services via Novell eDirectory and DirXML; file services via Novell iFolder; printing services via iPrint; messaging services via NetMail; management services via ZENworks for Servers; and a Virtual Office for end-user access and productivity via exteNd Director Standard Edition. In addition, Novell iManager provides a browser-based, single point of administration for Nterprise Linux Services.

Yesterday's announcement follows on from Novell's strong commitment to open source technologies through various announcements made during its annual Brainshare shindig in Utah during April this year. NetWare 6.5, announced at Brainshare, supports a wide range of open source technologies.

NetWare 6.5 and Nterprise Linux Services provide parallel paths for NetWare and Linux users until they meet at NetWare 7, when the complete Novell services set will run on both the NetWare and Linux kernels. NetWare 7 is due for release at the end of next year.

Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0 beta testing begins in July. Pricing and general availability will be announced at a later date. ®

Related Stories

SCO's Second Amendment rebuffs Novell Unix claim
Novell embraces open source
Novell goes a bundle on small biz networking
Novell slashes Directory prices