20 August 2008

Microsoft and Novell have announced an incremental investment in their interoperability relationship.

The move is in response to accelerating customer demand for the companies’ business model solution, which is designed to build a bridge between open source and proprietary software to deliver interoperability and intellectual property (IP) peace of mind for organisations operating mixed-source IT environments.

The investment focuses on enhanced programs from Novell to provide tools, support, training and resources for customers seeking an enterprise-class Linux platform and specifically, the optimal interoperability solution between Microsoft Windows Server and Suse Linux Enterprise Server from Novell.

In addition, Microsoft has committed to purchase up to US$100 million in certificates that those customers can redeem for expanded support from Novell, that including Suse Linux Enterprise Server support and support for moving toward an enterprise-class Linux platform.

The investments will take effect from 1 November 2008. In the meantime, Microsoft and Novell will solicit customer input and identify aspects of the support programmes that will be most useful to organisations running mixed-source environments.

“The collaboration between Microsoft and Novell has been built on our desire to meet our customers’ real-life IT requirements as well as give our partners greater breadth in their solution offerings,” said Kevin Turner, chief operating officer at Microsoft. “Some customers have told us they want to be able to run Windows Server and Linux together seamlessly, but in many cases, they need help with the transition to Suse Linux Enterprise Server from other Linux environments. Our increased investment in the relationship with Novell is intended to give these customers and partners the best possible Windows-Linux interoperability solution, while also extending their existing Windows Server investments and helping to give them IP peace of mind.”

“Cross-platform interoperability is something that we all want and need to achieve. But it’s difficult to accomplish this,” said Ulrich Koch, head of license management at T-Systems Enterprise Services. “The pragmatic approach Microsoft and Novell are taking to address this complex challenge, including IP assurance, through engineering as well as offering tangible support and training programmes, will make it easier for us to develop a path forward.”

“The strategic partnership between our companies continues to attract customers by building a bridge between proprietary and open source software,” said Ron Hovsepian, president and CEO of Novell. “The interoperability delivered by Microsoft and Novell has resulted in very high demand for Suse Linux Enterprise from customers and channel partners, further validating Novell’s Linux strategy.”

A dedicated Web site has been provided to give information about the agreement.

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