Tuesday, 2 October 2007

Novell Laughs As Microsoft Deal Brings In Moolah

Though many people would have frowned at Novell’s deal with Microsoft last November, Novell is laughing its way to the bank as its Linux business has soared 243 per cent....

Though many people would have frowned at Novell’s deal with Microsoft last November, Novell is laughing its way to the bank as its Linux business has soared 243 per cent.

"The affect on sales year over year, for Novell's first three quarters of our fiscal year, which ends Oct. 31 -- our Linux business was up 243%," said Justin Steinman, director of marketing at Novell. "We're continuing to see above market growth year over year and that clearly has resulted in the 243 per cent.”

Last November, the two companies, a paradoxical combination, struck a collaboration deal under which Microsoft will support SUSE Linux made by Novell on systems that run Windows to make it easier for users to incorporate both operating systems. As part of the deal, Microsoft is offering sales support for SUSE Linux and will co-develop technologies with Novell.

Steinman said Microsoft itself contributed more than USD 100 million through its Microsoft relationship.