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Novell has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft alleging that Microsoft lied about Novells latest network operating system, NetWare 6.
The suit, filed on Monday, Oct. 1, in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City, asks for unspecified monetary damages, and also seeks an injunction to force Microsoft to stop “the false and misleading statements by Microsoft,” according to a Novell statement.
According to Novell, Microsoft distributed a marketing brochure shaped like a breakfast cereal box with the headline, “Microsoft Server Crunch.” The text of the brochure included what Novell alleges are false statements, including these two sentences: “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.”
The brochure was sent to “a large number” of Novell customers in the U.S., Novell said.
Stewart Nelson, Novells chief operating officer, said in a prepared statement, “Microsoft has tried to create a fictitious end of life for NetWare to create fear and uncertainty within Novells customer base, and to discourage future customers from doing business with Novell.”
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.