BIOS: Technology Means Business

Novell will later this month release a Linux suite for small businesses. Including both desktop and server software, Linux Small Business Suite 9 is based on the company's SuSE Linux operating system and is designed to make it easier for small businesses to move to Linux. Similar to the NetWare-based Novell Business Suite 6.5, Linux Small Business Suite 9 is designed for businesses with as many as three servers and 100 users and comes with Novell's GroupWise collaboration software, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 (with licences for up to three installations) and the Novell Linux Desktop (up to 100 users). This distinguishes the suite from Microsoft's small business offering which only includes a licence for a single server, so if that goes down, it takes all the applications with it. Designed to give you everything you need, Linux Small Business Suite 9 will have installation software designed to make it easy for non-technical users to install the Linux desktop and server software, and will come with Novell's eDirectory and iManager management software. It also supports both Windows and Linux clients.

Pros: Fully supported; licenses for up to three servers and 100 clients
Cons: Remember to check your key software apps for compatibility

Release: Novell has announced the upcoming availability of Novell Linux Small Business Suite 9, the first end-to-end, server-to-desktop Linux solution that offers a clear alternative for small businesses. Novell Linux Small Business Suite is comprised of industry-leading Linux server and desktop software along with powerful collaboration, security and management products, all engineered specifically for Linux. As a result, small businesses receive a secure, reliable and complete solution that provides them with big-business benefits on small-business budgets.

'The availability of Novell Linux Small Business Suite and the advantages of open source software will give our customers even more options for improving their business,' said Bill Long, owner of Integrated Network Systems, a Novell channel partner in New Orleans. 'And because it's backed by Novell, they can deploy it with confidence.'

According to a recent survey by Forrester Research, small businesses are spending on IT systems at an increasing rate, closing in on half of total US tech spending at 44 per cent in 2004. Many small businesses are turning to Linux for the cost savings and security benefits it provides. Novell has prepared an extensive software, channel, training and technical support ecosystem necessary to effectively serve small businesses who are seeking to diversify their IT portfolios away from traditional operating systems. To accommodate growing businesses, Novell's Linux suite features support for up to three servers and 100 users.

'Dell and Novell are committed to continuously improving the performance and value proposition of Linux for customers of all sizes and needs,' said Judy Chavis, director of business development for Dell. 'Novell Linux Small Business Suite on Dell PowerEdge servers further enhances the Linux platform to provide SMB customers network solutions that are easy to manage and scale to meet their needs today and in the future.'

Efrain Rovira, HP's worldwide director of Linux marketing, said, 'As one of the leading IT providers to both small and mid-sized business customers, as well as in Linux and open source technology, HP is committed to providing affordable, easy-to-use IT solutions that help solve real business problems. The combination of HP solutions and the Novell Linux Small Business Suite will provide customers a secure, reliable networking solution that can improve employee productivity, collaboration and resource sharing.'

'Small businesses will benefit from this dependable, cost-effective solution that provides a greater choice of software and hardware, eliminating vendor lock-in,' said David Patrick, Novell vice president and general manager of Linux, Open Source Platforms and Services. 'That means they can focus on what matters most - running their business.'
Novell Linux Small Business Suite 9 will be available March 31 through Novell channel partners for a suggested $475 per five new user licenses or $252 per five users upgrading from qualifying Novell or competitive products.

See http://www.novell.com/products/linuxsmallbiz/pricing.html for details. The suite includes support for up to 100 licensed users and three servers, plus five free technical support incidents. Novell Linux Small Business Suite 9 will be available immediately in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese and Spanish.