Novell Takes Collaboration to Linux

Aiming to whet interest in advance of its BrainShare conference this week, Novell has unveiled its GroupWise 6.5 for Linux collaborative computing package.

The toolset, which debuted Friday, handles e-mail, calendaring, instant messaging, contact management, document management, and workflow services across networks. The new release adds Linux alongside existing ports of the groupware package for Netware and Windows NT and Windows 2000.

The release marks a 180-degree turnaround for Novell. The Provo, Utah-based network software maker, which had been a long-time advocate of proprietary systems, spent time during last year’s BrainShare conference to embrace open standards and technological backing for Linux.

Novell also disclosed that its Ximian Evolution e-mail and workgroup client for Linux will incorporate native support for GroupWise for Linux by late this year.

Finally, Novell said that plug-in support for the Gaim open-source instant messaging client will be available for Groupware within 30 days.

The Groupware announcement follows on the heels of Novell’s rollout last week of its SuSE Linux 9.1 operating system. The upgraded OS is based on the new 2.6 kernel.

“With Novell’s recent acquisition of SUSE Linux, we’re now the only vendor who sells and supports a world-class Linux-based collaboration solution along with the underlying Linux operating system,” said Novell vice chairman Chris Stone, in a statement.

Novell GroupWise 6.5 for Linux will be available April 15. Current customers will be able to order it for no additional license fee, Novell said. Users of previous versions will have to pay an undisclosed upgrade price.

Article originally appeared on Internetnews.com