Novell Delivers Enhanced Data Integration with the PeopleSoft Platform

• New PeopleSoft DirXML Driver available, supporting connectivity with the PeopleSoft 8.1 platform
• DirXML allows customers to cross application and network barriers to link business critical data stored in directories, applications and databases whether they reside inside the firewall or across the Internet on business partner systems

Novell, Inc., a leading provider of eBusiness solutions and Net services software, today announced the availability of a new DirXML™ Driver for PeopleSoft (Nasdaq: PSFT), which enables connectivity with the PeopleSoft 8.1 platform, as well as PeopleSoft 7.0 and 7.5. Used in conjunction with Novell® eDirectory™, DirXML allows customers to cross application and network barriers to link business critical data stored in directories, applications and databases whether they reside inside the firewall or across the Internet on business partner systems. By linking systems such as e-mail, HR applications, facilities access or directories from an outsourced benefits provider, DirXML eliminates the costly and time-consuming task of creating and updating profiles in these systems individually.

"We're excited about the benefits customers can receive through Novell's support of PeopleSoft 8.1 with its DirXML application integration software," said PeopleSoft Product Strategist Kirk Chan. "Linking PeopleSoft with other systems throughout an organization greatly facilitates the collaborative enterprise. The linkages help companies streamline business processes, eliminate inconsistent data and reduce administrative overhead. Combining the integration capabilities of DirXML with PeopleSoft allows companies to use the PeopleSoft platform as the master store of personnel data throughout the organization without the need to update other systems independently. The cost savings from this simplified administration can be very significant."

DirXML and Employee eProvisioning
The DirXML Driver for PeopleSoft is adaptable to synchronize all PeopleSoft Application Modules, including Student Administration, Financials, CRM, etc. In particular, DirXML's connection to the PeopleSoft HR module plays a key role in Novell's recently announced Novell Employee eProvisioning solution, as well as similar solutions from Novell's Consultant and System Integrator partners. Employee eProvisioning solutions are designed to automate the process of creating, modifying and maintaining employee identity profiles and access privileges between enterprise software such as PeopleSoft and other business applications. Using DirXML to link enterprise systems like PeopleSoft, eDirectory, Oracle, Lotus Notes, etc., customers are able to update one central data repository and have those changes replicated to all other critical systems based on their unique business rules.

With the deployment of an employee eProvisioning solution, new employees gain immediate access to the applications and resources they need to be productive, instead of waiting days or weeks to obtain individual access to each system. When an employee leaves the company, the procedure is reversed. Changing a user's employment status in PeopleSoft or removing them from another database will simultaneously remove that employee's access rights to applications throughout the enterprise, protecting corporate security.

"By supporting the latest version of the PeopleSoft platform, DirXML becomes an even more compelling technology for companies that want to create a substantial return on investment by streamlining business processes and lowering administrative overhead," said Paul Smart, vice president and general manager of Novell's Net Directory business. "Best of all, DirXML drives these benefits while still leveraging companies' existing technology investments. DirXML facilitates the synchronization of data across directories, databases and applications, without retrofitting existing technologies."

Availability and Pricing
The new DirXML Driver for PeopleSoft is available today for $10 per user. DirXML and the DirXML Driver for PeopleSoft are available from Novell channel partners, Novell Consultant and System Integrator partners or directly from Novell by calling (888) 321-4272. For more information about DirXML, go to http://www.novell.com/products/edirectory/dirxml.

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