Novell Kickstarts Availability of Linux Desktop Applications

WALTHAM, Mass., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Novell (Nasdaq: NOVL) today introduced the Mono(R) Kickstart program to provide for the first time developer support to organizations using Mono for new application development or migrations. Mono is a comprehensive open source development platform based on the .NET framework that allows IT and independent software vendor developers to build Linux* and cross-platform applications (MacOS X*, IBM S/390* and Sun Solaris*) with unprecedented productivity, using popular programming languages such as C#, Java* and VB.NET. The Mono project is a community initiative sponsored by Novell. As a result of the Mono Kickstart program, it is now far easier to build and develop applications on Linux and other platforms, allowing developers to get software to market faster and more cost effectively.

"Mono lets us create quality solutions for mixed-platform environments quicker than ever before," said Scott Waddell, managing partner of CustomerDNA, a leading provider of relationship marketing software and services. "Access now to developer support from Novell via Mono Kickstart will only accelerate the availability of productivity-enhancing, cost-saving and process-improving applications to users of all kinds."

"As we talk to Mono users, it has become very clear they want enterprise developer support from Novell," said Miguel de Icaza, Novell vice president of engineering and founder of the Mono project. "With Mono Kickstart, Mono will help grow Linux on enterprise desktops even faster as it facilitates the development of Linux desktop applications."

Mono Kickstart includes 25 developer support incidents along with one server or 50 desktop licenses for $12,995. Additional developer support incidents, server licenses and desktop licenses can be purchased separately. For more information, visit http://www.mono-project.com/kickstart . 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 Mono are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. *Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Mac is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. IBM and S/390 are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation. Sun and Solaris are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.