Novell announced the Novell
Open Workgroup Suite is now available worldwide, giving customers an
open, low-cost alternative to the Windows-centric solution many perceive
as their only option. The first workgroup suite for the open enterprise
that provides organizations with a flexible and cost-effective solution
based on proven, standards-based software, the Novell Open Workgroup
Suite includes server and desktop components with powerful management
tools, collaboration capabilities and the most advanced open source
office products in the market. Compared to a similar Microsoft*
solution, the Novell suite can save customers up to 70 percent.
“Our customers like choice when it comes to configuring their IT
infrastructure,” said Parker Pearson, director of marketing for Novell
partner Advanced Logic Industries. “They need certain desktop
application functionality to meet the demands of their users, but they
don’t want to feel locked in or pay for more functionality than their
environment may need. Our customers look to us to provide them with
flexible options and cost-effective technology solutions, and the Novell
Open Workgroup Suite allows us to do just that.”
Novell Open Workgroup Suite customers can choose from two options. For
deployment with Linux* servers and any desktop platform, the suite
includes Novell Open Enterprise Server (with SUSE Linux Enterprise
Server), Novell GroupWise for collaboration, Novell ZENworks Suite
for cross-platform systems management, Novell Linux Desktop and the
popular OpenOffice.org for Windows* and Linux. The suite is also
available in a cross-platform version that allows deployment of the same
suite components on any supported platform. The Novell Open Workgroup
Suite is also the replacement for the Novell Small Business Suite and
Novell Linux Small Business Suite, with an upgrade path for customers of
these products.
Jeff Jaffe, Novell executive vice president and chief technology
officer, said, “Our customers are seeking cost-effective, secure and
reliable alternatives to proprietary workgroup solutions. The Open
Workgroup Suite was created in response to the market’s demand for
greater choice and flexibility and is a perfect example of our strategy
to source and deliver the best blend of technologies based on open
standards and open source. As a result, customers receive the best
innovation, the right packaging and a competitive price.”
Pricing for the Linux platform version of the Novell Open Workgroup
Suite starts with a rental option for $80 per year or $110 per
device/user for a perpetual license. The cross-platform version of the
suite is $150 per user/device for a perpetual license. Annual
maintenance is also available, and upgrade pricing is available to
existing customers of Open Enterprise Server, NetWare(R), GroupWise,
ZENworks or competing products. For more information and pricing
details, visit [ http://www.novell.com/products/openworkgroupsuite ]http://www.novell.com/products/openworkgroupsuite.
