Microsoft and Novell Provide Renault with Interoperability

SUSE Linux Enterprise has been selected by Renault to consolidate existing Linux environment and provide IT interoperability between Windows and Linux

REDMOND, Wash., and WALTHAM, Mass.-January 30, 2008-Microsoft Corp. and Novell today announced that French carmaker Renault has joined the growing ranks of customers taking advantage of the two companies' cooperation to deliver greater interoperability between Microsoft® Windows® and SUSE® Linux Enterprise. Under the agreement, Microsoft will deliver to Renault more than 1,000 certificates for priority support subscriptions to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server from Novell®, as Renault consolidates existing Linux* distributions to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server with the goal of improving interoperability and taking better advantage of virtualization.

"Working with Microsoft to jointly build and support solutions to improve interoperability and deliver powerful new virtualization capabilities is paying great dividends for our customers," said Susan Heystee, vice president and general manager of global strategic alliances for Novell. "Increasing the presence of SUSE Linux Enterprise in the data center, well integrated with a Microsoft Windows environment, will enhance the deployment of applications and increase the competitive advantage of innovative companies. With growing marketplace understanding of the solutions we are providing to the interoperability challenges in a world of mixed-source software, we expect to continue to see growth of SUSE Linux Enterprise in the market."

"Customers have asked for solutions to make Microsoft products work better with other platforms and for IP assurance that enables vendors to build technical bridges," said Susan Hauser, general manager of strategic partnerships and licensing at Microsoft. "We are pleased to provide this real-world, pragmatic solution to customers, such as Renault."

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

About Novell
Novell, Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVL) delivers infrastructure software for the Open Enterprise. Novell is a leader in desktop to data center operating systems based on Linux and the software required to secure and manage mixed IT environments. Novell helps customers around the world minimize cost, complexity and risk, allowing them to focus on innovation and growth. For more information, visit www.novell.com.

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Novell and SUSE are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. *Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.