Novell Wins Top Channel Award for Open Platform Solutions

WALTHAM, Mass., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Two Linux-based platforms from Novell (Nasdaq: NOVL) -- Novell(R) Open Enterprise Server and SUSE(R) Linux Enterprise Server -- have swept the top spots for server operating systems in the Annual Report Card (ARC), a prestigious ranking by VARBusiness that identifies the top technologies among the solution provider channel. In a rare feat, Open Enterprise Server took first place in all four rated categories -- product innovation, support, partnership and loyalty -- while SUSE Linux Enterprise Server came in second, out positioning Microsoft's entries in this category. Based on interviews with thousands of channel partners, the ARC Awards are a premier indicator of partner satisfaction in the technology industry.

"Novell is extremely excited by the clear partner endorsement of Open Enterprise Server and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server," said Steve Erdman, vice president and general manager of channels and alliances at Novell. "Novell relies heavily on our solution providers across the globe to deliver value- added Linux solutions and their vote of confidence reaffirms that our customers are receiving a best-in-class experience with Novell."

Novell's win with Open Enterprise Server, which includes the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server distribution within it along with advanced networking and productivity tools, marks the first victory for a Linux-based platform in the server operating system category. The second place ranking for the stand-alone version of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server indicates growing channel interest in, and business around, the Linux* operating system. The ARC awards are based on more than 5,000 interviews with channel partners, who evaluated 90 market- leading vendors across 19 product categories. Partner satisfaction with software vendors was rated across four key areas: product innovation; support; partnership; and loyalty. The ARC process is comprehensive, accurately reflecting not only how good the products are, but also how well the vendors deliver technical and marketing support to channel partners, the effectiveness of vendor channel programs, and the channel's commitment to future business with vendors.

Coming on the heels of Novell's "Best of Show" award for SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop at LinuxWorld San Francisco last week, the victory of Open Enterprise Server in the server category of the ARC awards is strong validation of Novell's commitment to deliver a full range of Linux-based solutions, from the desktop to the data center. For more information on Novell Open Enterprise Server and the SUSE Linux Enterprise 10 platform, visit http://www.novell.com/oes and http://www.novell.com/linux .

About Novell

Novell, Inc. delivers Software for the Open Enterprise(TM). With more than 50,000 customers in 43 countries, Novell helps customers manage, simplify, secure and integrate their technology environments by leveraging best-of- breed, open standards-based software. With over 20 years of experience, 5,000 employees, 5,000 partners and support centers around the world, Novell helps customers gain control over their IT operating environment while reducing cost. More information about Novell can be found at http://www.novell.com .

Novell and SUSE are registered trademarks and Software for the Open Enterprise is a trademark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. *Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.