Microsoft-Novell Linux Deal To Grow by $100M

by Kurt Mackie Microsoft plans to pour an additional chunk of money into its business and open source technology collaboration with Novell, according to an announcement issued by the companies today. The deal calls for Microsoft to buy $100 million more in support certificates for Novell SuSE Linux Enterprise Server. Microsoft's expects to have the new investment in place by Nov. 1, 2008. The certificates are sold to companies and provide Novell's integration support, assuring the interoperability of Novell's open source Linux system with Microsoft's proprietary Windows Server. The deal furthers a near two-year-old arrangement between the companies that protects Microsoft's intellectual property while fostering product interoperability. The two companies are targeting large businesses that run heterogeneous computing... [read full story]