Novell and NetWare Garner Praise of Solution Providers with VARBusiness Award

• Novell NetWare voted top Enterprise Operating Platform by VARBusiness readers
• NetWare viewed as strategic by solution providers for solving key business challenges
• Novell praised for enhancements to channel programs and activities

Novell, Inc., a leader in eBusiness solutions and Net services software, today announced that Novell has been named the overall winner in the "Enterprise Operating Platform" category of the 2001 VARBusiness Annual Report Card (ARC) Awards. Selected by a survey of more than 5,000 systems integrators, IT consulting organizations, value-added resellers (VARs), solution providers, and software developers/ISVs, Novell won top honors on the strength of NetWare®, Novell's leading Net services platform, and Novell's channel strategy and partnership programs. Novell was top vote-getter in the following subcategories: best products/pricing, product quality, product availability, pre-sales support, best partnership, administration of solution provider program, channel strategy, eBusiness program and ease of doing business.

VARBusiness is a leading magazine covering strategy and technology trends for the architects of the digital economy. Now in its 16th year, the VARBusiness ARC recognizes outstanding partner programs in product categories including desktops, servers, storage management, Internet application server software and networking hardware. Details of Novell's ARC Award will be published in the Oct. 1 issue of VARBusiness and can be found now at http://www.varbusiness.com/arc.

"We are pleased to once again be recognized for the strategic value and quality of NetWare, continuing a history of recognition and excellence that has been a hallmark of NetWare," said Rich Nortz, senior vice president of worldwide sales for Novell. "In addition, this is especially gratifying because of the additional recognition from channel and ISV partners who clearly view Novell and its one Net vision as strategic for delivering secure, powerful solutions for complex eBusiness problems. It is clear that the one Net vision is resonating with customers served by solution providers."

According to Robert C. DeMarzo, vice president/editorial director of VARBusiness, the VARBusiness Annual Report Card is the most significant annual benchmark of the solution provider/vendor relationship in the industry. "This year's ARC winners represent the top firms to look to for technology innovation and solutions in the digital economy."

"Novell's one Net vision is resonating with our customers," said Doug Ouzts, Novell practice area manager, IKON Office Solutions, a Novell® Platinum PartnerSM. "The fact that Novell is relying on solution providers to deliver on the vision is key to our success going forward. Business with Novell has never been better."

Novell NetWare delivers one Net services today
Novell recently announced public availability of the NetWare 6 beta, continuing its tradition of delivering the industry's most reliable, secure and real-world-tested networking services. As the premier platform for delivering Net services, NetWare 6 allows file, print, directory, e-mail and other core network resources to be accessed across all types of networks, storage systems and client desktops. NetWare 6 users can now access network services and their core information from any location, any desktop, at any time. To order or download the NetWare 6 beta, go to http://www.novell.com/netware6.

Novell Channel Program and Activities
Key to Novell's top channel partner ranking was the quality of channel programs and activities as ranked by solution providers. Novell recognizes the important role that solution providers play in delivering on the one Net vision. The rapid growth of solution provider co-engagements with Novell Consulting is delivering on the one Net vision and has helped channel partners amplify their expertise in solving complex eBusiness challenges for customers and increased their service revenue opportunities. During 2001, Novell has taken steps to enhance channel programs in terms of communication, education and motivation. Frequent and timely communication with solution providers has accelerated their time to market with information vital to growing their revenue.

Greater emphasis on and availability of channel training and education, as well as simplified course registration, have received high marks from more than 16,000 registrants this year alone. Novell's QuickTrain DVD has been well received as a valuable self-study tool. In addition, solution providers highly rate Novell's increased focus on motivation. The NetWare Upgrade Protection Bundle Promotion has created opportunities for partners to offer significant savings to customers, resulting in increased service revenue for the integrator.

About Novell
Novell, Inc. (NASDAQ: NOVL), is a leader in eBusiness solutions and Net services software designed to secure and power the networked world. Novell and its subsidiary, Cambridge Technology Partners, help organizations solve complex business challenges, simplify their systems and processes, and capture new opportunities with one Net solutions. Novell provides worldwide channel, consulting, education and developer programs to support its offerings.

For information on Novell's complete range of products and services, contact Novell's Customer Response Center at (888) 321-4CRC (4272), or visit Novell's Web site at http://www.novell.com. Information on eBusiness and e-integration solutions from Cambridge Technology Partners can be accessed at http://www.ctp.com. Press may access Novell announcements and company information on the World Wide Web at http://www.novell.com/pressroom.

Novell and NetWare are registered trademarks and Novell Platinum Partner is a trademark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. * All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.