Novell Lowers Linux Management Costs with Red Carpet Enterprise 2

Ximian Red Carpet Enterprise 2 provides centralized software management of Linux-based workstations and servers Red Carpet Enterprise complements and extends the Linux capabilities of Novell ZENworks as part of Novell's cross-platform solution for resource management

11 November 2003

Novell today announced the immediate availability of Ximian® Red Carpet Enterprise™ 2, the latest version of the secure, customizable solution that automates the central management of software on workstations and servers running a variety of Linux distributions. Through centralized and automated management, maintenance and updating of Linux servers and desktops, Red Carpet Enterprise significantly reduces the cost of Linux ownership for customers, allowing them to concentrate resources on other strategic projects.

"The powerful new management features and broad Linux OS support in this version extend Novell's leadership in Linux software management," said Alan Nugent, Novell® chief technology officer. "By lowering operating costs and removing barriers to Linux implementation, we have made it even easier for customers to install, update and maintain the fastest-growing operating system on the market."

Customers can deploy Red Carpet Enterprise in as little as 30 minutes, and its unique ability to integrate with external repositories allows for automated enterprise Linux updates. Red Carpet Enterprise offers the industry's broadest support of Linux distributions and applications, including SUSE LINUX*, Red Hat* and Ximian.

Fred Broussard, IDC senior research analyst, PC and Device Management Software, said, "Software management is one of the central issues in realizing the promise of lower cost of ownership. Organizations need tools that not only automate the updating and maintenance of rapidly changing open source software, but that ensure software standards are met as well. Systems like Red Carpet Enterprise give Linux administrators the tools they need to automate many of their system management processes in order to save both time and money."

Red Carpet Enterprise 2 Simplifies and Automates
Ximian Red Carpet Enterprise provides enterprise software package distribution for Linux, including full dependency resolution, distribution, installation, rollback, repairs and reporting. With rapid deployment and broad support for Linux distributions and applications, organizations can realize a quick return on investment.

Enhancements to Red Carpet Enterprise 2 simplify the administration and further automate the process of distributing software or updates.

  • Software packages can be grouped into package sets to represent products, product components or product families and subsequently managed as single entities for distribution, installation, rollback and reporting.
  • Inventory support for managed servers and workstations collects network information, including hardware, software and system specifications.
  • Enhanced enterprise software distribution uses caching servers to more effectively transfer packages across slow network connections.

"Ensuring that our customers' network defenses are constantly updated to address new and emerging threats is one of our primary goals," said Marilyn Kain, vice president of strategic alliances and business development, Crossbeam Systems. "By leveraging Red Carpet Enterprise as part of our security management system, our customers are protected through automatic software updates, and they can always access the administration console from any location to change their configuration."

Ximian Red Carpet Enterprise is part of Novell Resource Management, managing enterprise Linux desktop and server environments. Red Carpet Enterprise can also extend the Linux capabilities of Novell ZENworks®, the leading solution for management of desktops, servers and handhelds. With the Ximian purchase in August and the pending acquisition of SUSE LINUX announced last week, Novell continues to fulfill its commitment to provide a full range of Linux solutions.

Pricing and Availability
Ximian Red Carpet Enterprise 2 is now available for $200 per managed system through Novell Authorized ResellersSM and solution providers. For more information on Red Carpet Enterprise, please visit http://www.ximian.com/products/redcarpet_enterprise. For more information on Novell Resource Management, please visit http://www.novell.com/solutions/resourcemanagement.

About Novell

Novell, Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVL) delivers Software for the Open Enterprise™. With more than 50,000 customers in 43 countries, Novell helps customers manage, simplify, secure and integrate their technology environments by leveraging best-of-breed, open standards-based software. With over 20 years of experience, more than 5,000 employees, 5,000 partners and support centers around the world, Novell helps customers gain control over their IT operating environment while reducing cost. More information about Novell can be found at http://www.novell.com.

Novell, Ximian and ZENworks are registered trademarks; Red Carpet Enterprise, Nsure, exteNd, and Nterprise are trademarks; and Ngage and Novell Authorized Reseller are service marks of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. *All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Certain versions of content ("Material") accessible here may contain branding from Hewlett-Packard Company (now HP Inc.) and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company. As of September 1, 2017, the Material is now offered by Micro Focus, a separately owned and operated company. Any reference to the HP and Hewlett Packard Enterprise/HPE marks is historical in nature, and the HP and Hewlett Packard Enterprise/HPE marks are the property of their respective owners.