Novell Expands Support of Netlines Open-Xchange Server

Novell Expands Support of Netlines Open-Xchange Server
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Novell and Netline Internet Service expand their current relationship in a move that will see Novell sell, maintain and support Netline's Open-Xchange Server.Novell Inc. and Netline Internet Service GmbH are expanding their current relationship in a move that will see Novell sell, maintain and support Netlines Open-Xchange Server.

Novell will also now integrate Netlines Open-Xchange Server into its development, partnership and sales processes. Netlines groupware, which is based on the Netline Java Application Server, is already the core engine of Novell´s SuSE Linux Openexchange Server.

As part of the non-exclusive agreement, Novell will also now contribute proprietary SuSE Linux Openexchange code to the open-source Open-Xchange community, as well as guarantee the same indemnification as offered for Novells own products, while Netline will be fully integrated into Novells DeveloperNet program, Frank Hoberg, the CEO of Netline, told eWEEK.

Read more here about Novells Linux indemnification program.

This will allow Netline to integrate Open-Xchange with existing Novell technology like Evolution, the Novell Linux Desktop and ZENworks. Novell will also provide global sales, training, maintenance and first- and second-level support for Open-Xchange, with Netline supplying third-level support.

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Open-Xchange is a collaboration platform that integrates open-source and proprietary servers and clients. Accessible through a common Web browser, Open-Xchange allows users to share e-mail, calendar, tasks, threaded discussions and documents originating from both proprietary and open-source systems.

The Web-based interface of Open-Xchange runs on all major browsers, letting employees use its services regardless of the client operating system; employees can also use it with any computer connected to the Internet and any common platform, including Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS, and Palm OS.

The Open-Xchange Server brand will also replace the current SuSE Linux Openexchange Server brand when the first commercial product is released next year, Hoberg said.

Asked if the deal with Netline has changed Novells current groupware strategy at all, spokesman Kevan Barney said: "Not really. Weve had both GroupWise and Openexchange Server under the same roof for almost a year now. Nothings changing at the moment. We have no changes to talk about today."

Asked how this move fits into Novells plan to transition GroupWise customers to Linux, Barney said those customers face the same choices as NetWare customers, "and everything were doing is to make sure they can choose whats best for them. Thats why we have the traditional GroupWise that runs on NetWare and Windows, and also GroupWise for Linux. So this all fits into our plan to offer customers choice," he said.

Next Page: Open-sourcing Open-Xchange.

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