Novell takes services route

Novell has conceded defeat in its network operating system (OS) battle with Microsoft and begun creating a niche in the Web service software arena.

Novell has conceded defeat in its network operating system (OS) battle with Microsoft and begun creating a niche in the Web service software arena.

The niche, dubbed a "new direction", will focus on Novell Directory Services (NDS), now called eDirectory. It will comprise the software a business needs to operate on the Web and with supply chain partners, according to Eric Schmidt, chief executive of Novell.

"We built this from the bottom up. People wanted the ability to roam between networks and to be mobile, to use any type of wireless device.

Our Net services software enables that, providing a true 'one Net' experience," Schmidt said.

The latest products, available through select partners by April, include iChain, an e-business platform for conducting Web transactions and integrating core services, such as security, management and commerce as well as more of its ZEN networking products.

Along with IBM, Novell also plans to jointly develop networking software solutions. Both will launch a scheme to train field sales staff and VARs.