Novell and Leading Chinese Linux Firm CS2C to Expand Linux in China

SHANGHAI, China, April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Novell (Nasdaq: NOVL) today signed a strategic cooperation memorandum with China Standard Software Co., Ltd. (CS2C), the leading Linux firm in China, to promote the development and adoption of Linux in the region. Under the agreement, Novell and CS2C will cooperate to provide technology, services and marketing to optimize and promote Linux to the Chinese market. As a result, Chinese companies, organizations and individuals will gain access to leading Linux technology, enterprise-class Linux services and local and global support.

"I'm pleased that CS2C has built a strategic partnership with the leading global Linux company -- Novell," said Mr. Qin Yong, executive vice president of CS2C. "As a leading system software company in China, CS2C has been focusing on extending cooperation with enterprises both in China and abroad. Together, we will drive the acceptance of Linux in the industry. We are looking forward to closer cooperation with Novell in the future."

CS2C and Novell will jointly promote value-added Linux products and solutions designed specifically for the China market and will work together to localize Linux products and solutions; deliver product and technology training; provide technical support and services for customers; and develop joint marketing and brand promotion activities for Linux products, services and solutions. In 2004, Novell joined the China Linux Standard Base and Open Source Initiative in order to bring its advanced technologies and services to bear in helping China promote the growth and development of its Linux market.

"I'm pleased to announce this strategic partnership with CS2C," said Dr. Sen Ming Chang, managing director, Asia, and vice president, Asia Pacific, of Novell. "China is recognized as a pioneer in the Linux market, and represents a vital market for Novell. Novell is increasing its investment in China, working closely with the government, and deepening our relationships with customers and partners. This relationship with CS2C is a key milestone in our efforts." 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 . About CS2C

China Standard Software Co., Ltd. (CS2C) was founded in Shanghai in October 2003. With investments from Chinasoft Network Technology Corporation (Chinasoft), China Electronics Technology Corporation (CETC) and Eastern China Computing Institution(ECI), CS2C has established leading product research & development, marketing and service networks in Shanghai and Beijing. With strong support from the national and local governments, CS2C has taken steps to build a strong alliance with the government. Working with Chinasoft, CETC and ECI's Tong Office to promote advanced technologies and build high quality technology expertise, CS2C is committed to helping build a secure national information infrastructure. NOTE: Novell is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SUSE is a registered trademark of SUSE LINUX AG, a Novell business. *All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.