[Enews message] Novell said on Monday that it will launch a Linux desktop operating system for enterprise users. The company said that this version of the desktop operating system will be launched in December 12, it uses Novell's SuSE Linux technology, its suggested retail price of $50, including a one-year free upgrade.
According to Novell, the new Linux Desktop OS distro package includes Novell's open office software, Mozilla Foundation's Firefox Web browser, assisted client software Novell evolution, and Linux System Management Software Novell ZENworks, the management software allows the system administrator to remotely manage the Desktop Linux operating system.
Jack messman, CEO of Novell, said that although Novell's Enterprise Edition Linux Desktop OS will not replace windows in a large scale, it does not prevent it from being a low-cost desktop OS solution.
Laura didio, an analyst from the Yankee Group, said Novell's Linux Desktop OS would not be the preferred choice for enterprise users. In the server market, Redhat's Linux operating system shares twice that of Novell.
Analysts believe that Novell's viability remains a problem for potential users. 10 ~ 12 years ago, Novell's share in the server market was 75 percent, but till now its market share is only 3 ~ 4.
Similarly, the outlook for Linux in the enterprise desktop operating system market is still quite unclear. For enterprise users with hundreds of thousands of PCs, it is a good reason to persuade them to change their operating systems.
From: enet