Novell, IBM Strengthen Alliance With New Agreement for LAN-to-Host Connectivity Offerings

The agreement, based on the collaborative strengths of both companies, ensures that Novell NetWare for SAA and NetWare HostPrint products will continue to be the most advanced solutions for communications between NetWare networks and System/390 or AS/400 host systems.

Under the terms of the agreement, the NetWare for SAA product family will continue to be available through Novell's extensive distribution channel. Product requirements will be jointly defined and implemented by both IBM and Novell based on their respective areas of expertise.

The agreement also tightly integrates IBM and Novell support services. IBM is known for its superior technical support and unrivaled SNA expertise. Novell's worldwide network of Certified Novell Engineers and Certified Novell Instructors provides Netware customers with unmatched networking experience. Customers can depend on a consistent level of technical and field support, and more advanced product solutions than either company can provide independently.

"An alliance with IBM, the company that created SNA, is the obvious choice for Novell in providing our customers with advanced LAN-to-host connectivity solutions," said Tom Steding, vice president and general manager of Novell's Communications Infrastructure Division. "Together, these two companies pioneered networked computing and will continue to provide customers with greater access to information whenever and wherever they need it."

An Evolving Marketplace

"IBM has long recognized the importance of NetWare to many of our SNA customers and the need for host connectivity continues to grow," said Lois Dimpfel, IBM vice president of Networking Software Products, IBM Networking Software Division. "With this collaboration agreement, IBM will have an even greater opportunity to deliver the level of advanced connectivity that enterprises increasingly require."

Driven by the evolution of the network computing market, the agreement between Novell and IBM will provide seamless NetWare-to-SNA integration, as well as formulate the strategic development of existing and future host connectivity products. This agreement is the next step in a long running collaborative development relationship between the two companies.

Company Profiles

IBM, the world's largest software provider, creates, develops and manufactures the industry's most advanced information technologies, including networking systems, software, computing systems, storage devices and microelectronics. IBM is committed to network-centric computing and this agreement with Novell helps fulfill the promise of "anywhere, anytime" computing.