Novell bets big on open source

Novell, provider of network operating systems, is betting heavily on open source software. It plans to launch the NetWare 7 in two versions--one based on Linux kernel and one on NetWare platform, by 2005.

“We are committed to open source because we believe that it offers freedom of choice to customers,” says Ashit Panjwani, National Manager for Alliances and Marketing, Onward Novell India. 

The company will also introduce a global certification course for Linux by end-2004. “One of the major issues preventing enterprises from considering open source is the lack of support available for the same. With the Certified Linux Engineer program, we offer our traditional reliability and scalability to Linux, along with support,” states
Ashit. 

This program will take place along with Novell’s existing Certified NetWare Engineer program. It will be conducted in the company's Authorized Education Centers and among Education Academic Partners. The partners and support staff will first undergo this certification program before it is launched officially. 

“We will also open a support center in Mumbai by the end of next month. The center will cater to Novell’s customers in the APac region. We will be employing around 25 people to begin with. Further hiring will depend purely on requirements," informs
Ashit.

SATHYA MITHRA

BANGALORE