Novell Ushers in New Era for Linux and Identity-Driven Computing at BrainShare 2005

SALT LAKE CITY, BrainShare(R) 2005, March 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Expanding its leadership in secure, open platform computing, Novell (Nasdaq: NOVL) is unveiling new products, partnerships and strategic initiatives designed to help customers further leverage the power of Linux and identity at its annual BrainShare user conference. Novell will introduce a number of new offerings for the Linux market and introduce new technologies to leverage identity and web services for comprehensive network security and integration. Attendees will have the opportunity to see and discuss these new products and initiatives with Novell experts and partners, as well as network with fellow Novell customers.

"Today, Novell delivers solutions to customers that are open, secure and global," said Jack Messman, chairman and CEO of Novell. "Our leadership in Linux is giving customers more options than ever before for their computing needs, while our identity driven services deliver comprehensive security for the most complex enterprise environments. We have a truly global ecosystem, unmatched by other Linux vendors, with offices in 43 countries and over 5,000 technology, services and training partners delivering support for Novell's customers worldwide. We give our customers real choice."

New products Novell is announcing at BrainShare include: -- ZENworks(R) 7, the first systems management suite to allow customers to manage Windows workstations on a SUSE(R) LINUX server;

-- The Novell(R) Linux Small Business Suite, a full-featured networking and collaboration environment on Linux for the small business market. Novell is also announcing extended support for Novell GroupWise and a number of significant enhancements for the next version of the product, due this summer; two new foundation platforms, providing customers and partners an integrated security and application services stack that uniquely combines the power and cost benefits of open source with the innovative and time to market advantages of vendor developed software; and an expanded relationship with JBoss, with Novell contributing code and engineering resources to the development of the open source JBoss Enterprise Middleware System project.

Novell is also announcing two new initiatives to accelerate the growth of the Novell global partner ecosystem: -- The Novell Market Start program, which will open Novell's global distribution and support channels to open source independent software vendors (ISVs);

-- The Novell Validated Configuration program, which will define multi- application, integrated application and platform stacks on Linux to reduce risk and ease deployment for customers in complex Linux network environments. "Enterprises around the world are demanding robust, high quality products that provide a clear alternative to legacy infrastructure applications," added Messman. "Only Novell, with our 20 plus years of experience serving the enterprise, is delivering open and secure solutions that deliver real value. We're thrilled to have this time at BrainShare with our customers to discuss new ways to make them more competitive, effective and productive." About Novell

Novell, Inc. is a leading provider of infrastructure software and services to over 50,000 customers in 43 countries. With more than 20 years of experience in data center, workgroup and desktop solutions, Novell's 6,000 employees, 5,000 partners and support centers around the world are meeting customer requirements for identity-driven computing and Linux solutions. By providing enterprise-class software and support for commercial and open source software, Novell delivers increased operating flexibility and choice at a lower total cost of ownership. More information about Novell can be found at http://www.novell.com.

NOTE: Novell and ZENworks are registered trademarks and BrainShare is a registered service mark in the United States and other countries. SUSE is a registered trademark of SUSE AG, a Novell business. *All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.