Novell to make up with Persona

Persona is expected to become a direct Novell distributor, 18 months after it fell out with the vendor by importing unauthorised software from the US.

Sources suggest Novell will bury the hatchet this month to realign its UK channel and keep five distributors when CHS finally absorbs Merisel.

Business partners Metrologie, GBC and Northamber also hope to become direct distributors.

Russell Smith, Novell UK distribution director, refused to comment. But Roger Paul, MD of Persona and Toplog, said Persona was still a business partner.

Two inside sources claimed Persona will be appointed. One said: 'Persona can buy from Toplog in France, which has a direct contract, so I expect Russell wants to pull his numbers together. Persona is reaching its targets so Novell must have forgiven it.'