Why Novell Open Enterprise Server Matters
When Novell rolled out the public beta of its Open Enterprise Server, the announcement rippled through the IT community. The platform isn’t a mere patch on top of existing operating systems; it stitches together two time‑tested engines - NetWare and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 - into a unified stack that speaks the same language. For enterprises that depend on reliable file and print services, yet are ready to embrace modern web and application frameworks, this fusion offers a new path forward.
NetWare has long been known for its unbeatable file‑sharing speed and robust directory services. It has powered corporate file servers for decades, earning a reputation for stability that few competitors can match. By pairing it with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, which brings the power of the Linux kernel, open‑source application stacks, and a vibrant developer community, Novell delivers a platform that can run legacy NetWare services side by side with modern web servers, databases, and containerized workloads. The result is a single, manageable environment that eliminates the pain of juggling separate management consoles.
What really sets this beta apart is the common management interface that Novell introduced. Instead of configuring two separate toolsets, administrators can now use Novell iManager to oversee both NetWare and Linux services. This unified dashboard simplifies patching, user provisioning, and performance monitoring, cutting administrative overhead and reducing the risk of configuration drift. The interface is built on familiar Novell design principles, so teams accustomed to iManager on NetWare will find the transition smooth.
Strategically, the Open Enterprise Server addresses several pain points that modern enterprises face. First, the move toward cloud‑native architectures has left many organizations wondering how to maintain control over their on‑prem infrastructure while still benefiting from open‑source flexibility. By packaging Linux alongside NetWare, Novell offers an “open but controlled” approach: customers can run open‑source web applications, microservices, and containers, all while keeping core file and print services under the proven NetWare umbrella.
Second, the platform supports a mixed environment that can coexist with Windows servers. In many enterprises, Windows remains the backbone for desktop applications, Active Directory, and legacy software. The ability to deploy NetWare, SUSE Linux, or both, alongside Windows, means organizations can gradually transition workloads without forcing a wholesale rewrite or migration. This interoperability is a decisive advantage for enterprises that need to preserve existing investments while still modernizing.
Finally, the beta launch was accompanied by a massive community response. Novell’s largest beta pool ever saw an unprecedented volume of applications. Among those, 48 percent of respondents indicated that they plan to deploy Linux in the next 18 months as a direct replacement for Windows 2000 or 2003. The reasons behind this shift are clear: stability (33 percent), open‑source flexibility (30 percent), and cost savings (25 percent) topped the list of motivators. These numbers underscore that the market is ready for a platform that blends legacy stability with open‑source innovation.
In sum, Novell’s announcement is more than a product release; it is a strategic alignment with the future of enterprise IT. By offering a single, integrated stack that can run the full spectrum of business services - from file sharing to web hosting - Novell provides a bridge between proven legacy systems and the next generation of application development.
Key Features and Enterprise Services
Open Enterprise Server’s appeal lies in the breadth of services it bundles into one coherent package. Beyond the obvious combination of NetWare and SUSE Linux, the platform introduces a suite of enterprise‑grade tools that enhance productivity, security, and reliability.
At the core is the advanced file and print capability, powered by Novell iFolder, Storage Services (NSS), NetStorage, and iPrint. These components work together to provide seamless data sharing across the network, ensuring that file access remains fast and secure even as the underlying operating system shifts between NetWare and Linux. For environments that depend on heavy file traffic - such as design studios or research labs - this integration guarantees that performance won’t suffer when switching between workloads.
Identity services form another pillar of the platform. Novell eDirectory offers a scalable, role‑based access control system that can manage users across both NetWare and Linux. By consolidating identity management, administrators avoid the duplication of accounts and the security gaps that often arise from disjointed authentication systems. eDirectory’s integration with the common management console means that policy changes apply uniformly across the entire environment.
High availability is built into the stack via Novell Clustering. Whether a server runs NetWare or Linux, clustering guarantees that services remain online in the event of a hardware or software failure. The clustering mechanism transparently redirects traffic to standby nodes, preventing downtime that could otherwise cost the business both time and revenue. For mission‑critical workloads - such as financial transaction processing or customer relationship management - this resilience is non‑negotiable.
Installation, patching, and update services receive a boost from Novell ZENworks. This tool simplifies lifecycle management by allowing administrators to push patches to multiple nodes from a single console. Because ZENworks supports both NetWare and Linux, the same patching workflow can keep the entire environment secure without the need for separate scripts or manual intervention.
Central to all these services is Novell iManager, the unified management platform. iManager provides an intuitive, web‑based interface that consolidates monitoring, configuration, and reporting. Users can view real‑time performance metrics, generate audit logs, and troubleshoot issues across both operating systems from one screen. This centralization not only improves efficiency but also enhances governance, as administrators have a single point of accountability for the entire infrastructure.
Hardware support rounds out the package. Novell’s YES CERTIFIED list includes major vendors such as Dell, Fujitsu Siemens, Gateway, HP, IBM, Maxtor, and SGI. These certifications guarantee that the platform performs optimally on the latest servers and storage arrays, reducing the risk of hardware‑related bottlenecks. For organizations that rely on specific hardware ecosystems - particularly those that have already invested in vendor‑specific solutions - this certification provides peace of mind that the new software will run smoothly.
Gartner’s George Weiss highlighted the significance of Novell’s acquisition of SUSE Linux. “As Linux usage grows in the enterprise, products like this accelerate adoption by combining commercial support with open‑source flexibility,” Weiss said. His assessment underscores the strategic importance of integrating Linux into a robust enterprise stack, especially when coupled with Novell’s longstanding reputation for stability and support.
By combining these features, Open Enterprise Server delivers a complete, enterprise‑grade ecosystem that addresses the full spectrum of IT needs - file sharing, identity, high availability, patching, management, and hardware compatibility - all while enabling both legacy and modern workloads to coexist.
Beta Availability and Community Feedback
Novell’s public beta launch, slated for early November, has already drawn significant attention from IT leaders eager to test the platform’s promise. The beta pool is the largest Novell has ever assembled, reflecting the community’s anticipation and confidence in the product. Feedback from early adopters provides a realistic snapshot of what the final release may look like.
One of the most compelling pieces of data comes from a survey of beta participants who plan to deploy Linux within the next 18 months. Nearly half of the respondents cited Linux as a replacement for older Windows servers, specifically Windows 2000 or 2003. This statistic signals a broader shift in enterprise strategy - organizations are looking to retire legacy Windows infrastructures in favor of more modern, cost‑effective platforms. The beta’s ability to blend NetWare’s reliability with Linux’s flexibility positions it as a direct answer to this transition.
Stability tops the list of reasons for adopting Linux, with 33 percent of respondents highlighting it as a primary factor. This aligns with the historical perception of NetWare and Linux as highly reliable operating systems. The combined platform’s robust file and print services, backed by Novell’s long track record, likely reinforce this sense of dependability.
Open‑source advantages were the second most cited motivator, accounting for 30 percent of responses. Administrators appreciate the freedom to customize, integrate, and extend services without the constraints of proprietary software. Coupled with the open‑source web and application stack available on SUSE Linux, the platform opens doors to modern development practices such as containerization, microservices, and continuous integration.
Cost savings, identified by 25 percent of respondents, highlight the economic angle of the beta. By consolidating services onto a single platform, organizations can reduce licensing fees, hardware duplication, and maintenance overhead. The inclusion of YES CERTIFIED hardware further helps in cost optimization, as vendors can offer negotiated pricing for validated configurations.
Early user experiences also capture the enthusiasm of the community. Robin Small, a network systems specialist at the City of Fresno, expressed excitement: “We are very excited about Novell Open Enterprise Server. It gives us the ability to implement open source alternatives while having our traditional NetWare‑class file and print. Who else can do that? Where else do you have that kind of freedom?” Small’s statement underscores the unique value proposition of running open‑source workloads without sacrificing the proven file‑sharing capabilities that many public‑sector organizations rely on.
From a practical standpoint, the beta also offers a learning curve that mirrors real‑world deployment. IT teams report that the single management console reduces the time needed for onboarding new administrators. Because the platform uses familiar terminology from both NetWare and Linux, the learning process is less steep compared to switching to a completely new stack.
While the beta is still in its early phases, the overall sentiment is positive. The mix of stability, flexibility, and cost savings resonates with a broad spectrum of IT stakeholders, from chief information officers in Fortune 500 companies to system administrators in smaller municipal networks. As the public beta progresses, these real‑time insights will shape the final product’s feature set and support strategy.
Future Outlook and Support Ecosystem
Novell’s move into the Open Enterprise Server ecosystem signals a broader commitment to supporting hybrid IT environments. The company has been a trusted networking partner for over two decades, and its new platform extends that legacy into the era of open‑source dominance. For organizations looking to modernize without abandoning the stability that they have grown to depend on, this represents a viable, forward‑looking solution.
The broader Novell Nterprise suite - including communication, collaboration, and network automation tools - provides a foundation that keeps the Open Enterprise Server relevant as workloads evolve. Training programs, certification tracks, and consulting services are already in place to help teams move from legacy NetWare environments to mixed deployments that leverage Linux’s strengths. With thousands of channel partners worldwide, the reach of Novell’s support network ensures that customers can find expertise in any region.
From a technical perspective, the platform’s design is aligned with industry best practices. Security updates are delivered through a coordinated release cycle that syncs with SUSE Linux’s own patching schedule and NetWare’s maintenance releases. This coordination ensures that administrators can apply updates in a single operation, reducing the risk of mismatched security postures across the stack.
Scalability is another focus area. The combination of NetWare’s proven file‑sharing performance and Linux’s ability to run distributed applications makes the platform suitable for everything from small offices to global enterprises. The clustering and high‑availability features guarantee that as the number of nodes grows, the system can maintain consistent uptime and performance.
Looking ahead, Novell plans to deepen its integration with container technologies and cloud orchestration tools. Early signals suggest that the Open Enterprise Server will eventually support Kubernetes or similar orchestration engines, enabling workloads to run in a hybrid cloud environment that still relies on the robust file and print services of NetWare. This direction ensures that enterprises can maintain critical legacy services while embracing the flexibility of the cloud.
In terms of pricing, Novell has indicated that the final cost model will reflect the combined value of NetWare’s enterprise features and Linux’s open‑source flexibility. While specific details are pending, the expectation is that the pricing structure will mirror the platform’s hybrid nature, offering tiered options that align with an organization’s scale and service mix.
Ultimately, the Open Enterprise Server represents an evolution rather than a revolution. It builds on Novell’s storied history of reliable networking solutions, augments it with the vibrant ecosystem of SUSE Linux, and packages everything into a single, manageable platform. For organizations that need to run both legacy and modern workloads side by side, the platform offers the infrastructure, the tools, and the support ecosystem to succeed in a rapidly changing IT landscape.
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