Novell XML Technology Extends eBusiness Capabilities

• Novell XML Integration Services uses open standards to create a data hub to adapt and modify eBusiness processes on the Net
• Allows seamless integration of applications between businesses and their ecosystem of partners, suppliers and customers
• Available today in open beta

Novell, Inc., a leading provider of Net services software, today announced the open beta availability of a new enterprise application integration technology based on XML. A key component in Novell's one Net vision, Novell XML Integration Services uses open Internet standards to provide a data hub to adapt and modify eBusiness processes on the Net. Further, by combining the capabilities of Novell XML Integration Services with other Novell Net services software such as iChain's ability to securely link multiple organizations through the Net customers can now integrate their applications and services with the business processes of partners, suppliers and customers. This seamless integration between businesses and their ecosystem of partners, suppliers and customers through the vehicle of open standards is the essence of one Net.

Novell XML Integration Services helps companies accelerate their transformation to eBusiness by combining business processes across all functions of an enterprise: the buying process, the delivery process, the selling process and the organization process (e.g. employee outsourcing). These integrated business processes allow companies to more quickly and easily adapt to the needs of their customers, so they can create a more personalized experience to increase customer loyalty and grow their business. For example:

• Buying process  will enable buyers and suppliers to integrate their business processes directly, so suppliers can have real-time access to a buyer's needs. For example, if the warehouse stock of a popular book reaches a low level at an online bookstore, that store's supplier would immediately see the shortage and be able to submit a real-time bid to replenish the product eliminating costly customer delays before they happen.
• Delivery process will enable the integration of business processes between eCommerce Web sites and the shipping companies that actually fulfill the order. Once a Web purchase is made, customers will not only see a message that reads "Your product will ship within 48 hours," but they will also receive the product's shipment tracking number and the day and time it will arrive.
• Selling process will enable smooth integration of the customer experience with back-office systems. This integration would, for example, allow customers to see if a given product is actually in stock before they make a purchase.
• Organization process will enable the integration of a company's enterprise resource management (ERM) system with the ERM system of an outsourced unit, such as a call center, through the Net. By integrating the business processes of a mobile sales force, Web sales and channel distributors with those of the outsourced call center, the call center can have real-time access to information about sales trends, peak sales, special promotions, etc.

"Customers today are demanding more and more timely one-on-one attention, which in turn demands that companies facilitate higher levels of personalization," said Dave Shirk, senior vice president of product management for Novell. "This need for personalization has caused companies to modify their business processes and move them to the Net across every function in the enterprise, changing the way they buy, sell and fulfill the needs of their customers. Novell XML Integration Services makes that business process change much easier than it ever has been by giving applications and services a way to communicate with each other through XML."

Novell XML Integration Services will first ship with the next version of GroupWise, code-named BulletProof, but will later be the integration point for many Novell products, as well as third-party products and services. For a listing of third-party partners that plan to use Novell XML Integration Services, see the accompanying partner quote sheet at www.novell.com/press/xis_quotes.html [link removed].

As the first product that will take advantage of Novell XML Integration Services, GroupWise will now create the foundation for knowledge portals. These portals will provide a single user interface that brings together services like streaming news, workflow, Internet-based document management and messaging, as well as enterprise-wide systems like enterprise resource planning (ERP), enterprise resource management (ERM) and customer relationship management (CRM). In addition, a knowledge portal will deliver this information on any device, wired to wireless.

Availability and Pricing

A license to use the beta release of Novell XML Integration Services is available today primarily to give third-party developers a chance to begin integrating their products and services with the infrastructure. The first Novell product that will include Novell XML Integration Services is the next version of GroupWise, code-named BulletProof. BulletProof is scheduled to ship by the end of this year. A free license for the Novell XML Integration Services beta is currently available and the software may be obtained by going to http://xis.novell.com. Later, starting with BulletProof, Novell XML Integration Services will be included as a core technology in many Novell products; therefore license to the basic infrastructure will have no additional charge.

About Novell

Novell, Inc. (NASDAQ:NOVL), is a leading provider of Net services software that delivers services to secure and power all types of networks the Internet, intranets, and extranets; wired to wireless; corporate and public across leading operating systems. Novell's Net services software provides the foundation for one Net a single global network that supports new applications and forms of business. Net Services software gives IT organizations a way to adapt and accelerate their transformation to eBusiness, simplify the management and control of all networks, create a secure foundation for doing business on the Net, and help deliver a consistent and high-quality experience to end users in all locations. Worldwide channel, consulting, education and technical support programs, along with strategic alliances, combine Novell Net services software with third-party products and services to form complete Net solutions.

 

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