Vendor claims firms can save 70 per cent compared with Microsoft offerings

Novell took aim at Microsoft yesterday with the launch of a suite of open source applications which it claims could save firms up to 70 per cent compared with equivalent Windows offerings.

Novell Open Workgroup Suite, which has begun shipping globally, includes server and desktop components with management tools, collaboration capabilities and Novell's open source office products.

Potential customers of the suite can choose between a Linux-only version, or an edition for mixed Linux/Windows environments.

For deployment with Linux servers and any desktop platform, the suite includes Novell Open Enterprise Server (with SuSE Linux Enterprise Server), Novell GroupWise for collaboration, Novell ZENworks Suite for cross-platform systems management, Novell Linux Desktop and the popular OpenOffice.org for Windows and Linux.

The suite is also available in a cross-platform version that allows deployment of the same components across Windows environments.

"Our customers like choice when it comes to configuring their IT infrastructure," said Parker Pearson, director of marketing at Novell partner Advanced Logic Industries.

"They need certain desktop application functionality to meet the demands of their users, but don't want to feel locked in or to pay for more functionality than their environment may need."

Jeff Jaffe, executive vice president and chief technology officer at Novell, added: "The Open Workgroup Suite was created in response to the market's demand for greater choice and flexibility and is a perfect example of our strategy to source and deliver the best blend of technologies based on open standards and op en source."

Pricing for the Linux platform version of the Novell Open Workgroup Suite starts with a rental option for €76 a year or €103 per device/user for a perpetual licence. The cross-platform version of the suite is €141 per user/device for a perpetual licence.

Annual maintenance is also available, and upgrade pricing is available to existing customers of Open Enterprise Server, NetWare, GroupWise, ZENworks or competing products.

The Novell Open Workgroup Suite is the replacement for the Novell Small Business Suite and Novell Linux Small Business Suite, with an upgrade path for customers of these products.