Novell is Back: Delivers an Open, Low-Cost Alternative to Microsoft

Novell (Nasdaq: NOVL) today announced the Novell Open Workgroup Suite is now available worldwide, giving customers an open, low-cost alternative to the Windows-centric solution many perceive as their only option. Novell Open Workgroup Suite customers can choose from two options. For deployment with Linux* servers and any desktop platform, the suite includes Novell Open Enterprise Server (with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server), Novell GroupWise for collaboration, Novell ZENworks Suite for cross-platform systems management, Novell Linux Desktop and the popular OpenOffice.org for Windows* and Linux. The suite is also available in a cross-platform version that allows deployment of the same suite components on any supported platform. The Novell Open Workgroup Suite is also the replacement for the Novell Small Business Suite and Novell Linux Small Business Suite, with an upgrade path for customers of these products. Pricing for the Linux platform version of the Novell Open Workgroup Suite starts with a rental option for $80 per year or $110 per device/user for a perpetual license. The cross-platform version of the suite is $150 per user/device for a perpetual license. Annual maintenance is also available, and upgrade pricing is available to existing customers of Open Enterprise Server, NetWare, GroupWise, ZENworks or competing products.