Microsoft and Novell see interoperability deals rocket

Microsoft and Novell report signing 100 new customers for their interoperability and IP peace of mind solutions in the past six months – double the rate in the first two years of their relationship.

Latest takers include Boise, Idaho Power Company, Honeywell Aerospace and Procter & Gamble – and the pair claim $200 million in certificates for Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server support and maintenance to more than 300 customers since their November 2006 collaboration agreement. "In today's economic environment, when customers are looking to derive the greatest value from their IT investments, we are seeing an increased rate of demand for the interoperability solutions and IP peace of mind benefits provided by our collaboration," says Ted MacLean, general manager for strategic partnerships and licensing at Microsoft. "Consistently positive feedback and sales results demonstrate that our relationship with Novell has been successful in delivering interoperability solutions that help our customers showcase the value IT contributes to their business."