Novell Sues Microsoft
Novell has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft alleging that Microsoft made false and misleading statements about Novells latest network operating system, NetWare 6. According to Novell, Microsoft sent a cereal-box-shaped mailing to Novell customers that says in part: “As a result of the recent Cambridge Technology Partners merger, Novell is shifting its focus from software development to consultancy services. Youre left with a server platform without the full support of its manufacturer.” A Microsoft representative said the company had discontinued the marketing campaign in question, and he said Microsoft would “respond appropriately” when it received a copy of the lawsuit.
Riptech Funded
Riptech, a managed security services provider based in Alexandria, Va., has received $21 million in funding, including $18 million from investment firm Broadview Capital Partners. Other investors included Columbia Capital and Providence Equity Partners.
EMI Inks Deal With Pressplay
EMI Group will license songs from its music catalog to Pressplay, the online music service owned by Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group. The nonexclusive agreement is significant because EMI has a stake in MusicNet, a Pressplay rival, and it makes EMI the first major label to license its content to both online music distribution companies. MusicNets other owners are AOL Time Warner, Bertelsmann and RealNetworks.
Inktomis Cuts
Inktomi will lay off about 150 employees, or 19 percent of its work force, in what the company says is an effort to streamline its business and focus its sales efforts on enterprise customers. As part of its enterprise push, the Internet software supplier last week hired Al Shipp, previously an executive of BEA Systems, as senior vice president of Inktomis worldwide field operations.