Novell Takes Market Share Lead for Linux Servers in China

WALTHAM, Mass., Aug. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Novell (Nasdaq: NOVL) has garnered the largest market share in China's Linux Server Operating Environment for the first half of 2005, according to IDC's recent study "China Linux Market Analysis, 1H2005". The report shows that Novell leads the industry by revenue with 32.9 percent market share and in unit shipments with 30 percent.

"Novell grew faster than the market average in the first half of 2005," said Nielse Jiang, Market Analyst, IDC China. "The company's broad range of offerings is a key differentiator from other Linux vendors. Novell offers more than 180 software products, in addition to SUSE Linux."

Dr. Sen Ming Chang, managing director of Novell's Asia region, attributed Novell's growth in China to the company's investment in the region, leading edge technology, and understanding of local customers needs. "Novell's products are being applied across multiple industries and have gained wide acceptance," he said. "Novell's leading market share of Linux servers in China reflects Novell's commitment to China and our hard work. This market is growing rapidly and our comprehensive approach to working with customers and partners is paying off."

Over the past year Novell has executed an aggressive growth strategy in China, and has bolstered operations in the region by appointing several new Linux experts, including Chang, who was previously IBM's director of Linux in the Greater China region. As part of its investment strategy, Novell has established partnerships with some of China's top IT companies, including CS2C, Huawei, Neusoft, AsiaInfo, and Skybility.

Novell Linux products and services are widely used in the Chinese government, telecommunications, and financial services sectors. Customers include the People's Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of Communications Shanghai Branch, China Meteorological Administration, Hua Wei, ZTE, AsiaInfo, and China Post. 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 is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SUSE is a trademark of SUSE LINUX Products GmbH, a Novell business. *Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.