Novell India has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 50% stake held by its partner Onward in the joint venture company-Onward Novell-the sales and distribution arm of Novell in India. Novell has been operating in India since 1992 as Onward Novell, a 50:50 joint venture with a local Indian partner. 

Novell would integrate the Onward Novell organization with the company's existing India operations. The company has not disclosed the financial details. The transaction would be closed by end of this fiscal year. Rhonda O Donnell, President, Novell Asia Pacific would be heading the new organization until a new managing director takes charge of operations.

Praveen Sengar, Analyst, Software and Services Research, IDC India said, "Novell's decision to take direct control of its business in India should enable it to have more focus on the Indian market and to deliver Linux and identity and access management solutions more effectively." 

Onward Novell MD, Harish Mehta will continue to advise the wholly owned Novell operation. 

“By increasing our investment in India, we are well positioned to help drive Linux and open-source adoption not just in India, but in other emerging Asian markets as well”, said Rhonda

CYBERMEDIA NEWS 
MUMBAI

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