Class of '96 Enters Workforce with World's Leading Computer Network Training, Credentials

Partnership Between Novell and Schools Trains and Certifies Graduates for High-Tech Careers

OREM, Utah -- July 8, 1996 -- Ambitious graduates from the Class of '96 are entering the workforce with authorized training and corresponding certification in the servicing and support of computer networks, thanks to an expanding partnership between Novell, Inc. and a growing roster of colleges, universities, trade schools, and even high schools. Novell, the world's leading provider of network software, makes its globally recognized education programs and technical certifications available as part of the curriculum at over 150 schools worldwide.

Much like the C.P.A. designation in the accounting field, Novell's CNE and CNA certifications have become global standards for computer networking that are used around the world as a basis for recruiting, compensating and promoting employees. At a time when, according to USA Today, half of the 1.2 million college graduates from the Class of '96 are projected to still be jobless in September, graduates with CNA or CNE on their resumes are finding good jobs and good salaries.

"Novell and leading schools share a vision of providing students with highly marketable, real-world experience and training," said Carolyn G. Rose, senior vice president and general manager of Novell Education. "Novell products and programs enable people to connect to each other and the information they need, anytime and anyplace, making networks a part of everyday life. These young people earning Novell certification are having a pervasive impact on changing the way people use network software worldwide."

Novell authorized training and corresponding certification are changing lives of recent graduates from educational institutions of all kinds. Examples include:

• At th e Milwaukee School of Engineering, the first class of students graduating with Novell certifications includes the class valedictorian and six others, all of whom have, upon graduation, already secured jobs paying $35,000-$40,000 per year. Student demand for the certifications is so strong that Novell classes had to be expanded during every quarter of the 1995-96 school year.
• Ryan Andersen, the first high school student in Utah to earn Novell certification, graduates this year and has landed a summer job testing software in a network super lab to earn money for college.
• High school students from the Novell secondary school pilot program in Virginia Beach, Virginia started their own consulting firm immediately after graduation.

"As networking technology grows, so does the demand for qualified support professionals," added Rose. " Novell products currently connect over 55 million users and 100 million devices, and we project one billion connections by the year 2000. We are going to need a continually expanding infrastructure to build and administer these expanding networks."

USA Today shows computer science is a top career choice with top-paying starting salaries for new graduates. Moreover, Money magazine, Self magazine and economic development studies have recently recognized careers in the networking segment of IT as among the "hottest" jobs of the future.

Novell (NASDAQ:NOVL) is the world's leading network software provider. Novell software provides the infrastructure for a networked world, enabling customers to connect with other people and the information they need, anytime and anyplace. Novell partners with other technology and market leaders to help customers make networks a part of their everyday lives.

Press Contacts:
Jennifer J. Johnson
Novell, Inc.
(801) 222-7734
Fax: (801) 222-7777
Internet: jjohnson@novell.com

Laura Kvinge
Novell Inc.
(801) 222-4029
Fax: (801) 222-7777
Internet: lkvinge@novell.com