Press Release

Novell Announces CNE* Net -- Providing Post-Certification Focal Point for CNEs

A New Program for CNEs, Designed by CNEs

San Jose, Calif. -- August 28, 1996 -- Novell, Inc., today announced CNE Net, a new initiative by Novell that provides CNEs with post-certification information and support. CNE Net is designed to provide a focal-point through which Novell can give CNEs benefits and generate an on-going dialogue to enhance the initiative as it matures. The aim of CNE Net is to keep CNEs informed and supported throughout their careers as networking professionals. All active CNEs will be eligible to join CNE Net at no cost.

Benefits include access to Novell information and peer discussion via a new CNE Net Web site and chat room; access to select beta, pre-release, and shipping Novell products; specially discounted technical support; and editorial content targeted more specifically to CNEs in NetWare Connection. Most benefits will be free to CNEs, while others will be provided to CNEs as free-choice options at significant discounts.

Novell developed the new program based on recommendations from CNEs, who have been instrumental in bringing Novell products into mainstream use around the world.

"CNEs have done an enormous service for the networking industry," said Robert J. Frankenberg, president and CEO of Novell. "They are the unsung heros of networking. With CNE Net, Novell empowers them to maximize the strengths they bring to that industry. We also strengthen our partnership with CNEs--a partnership that is vital to Novell's success, and will make their certification of even greater benefit to CNEs."

CNE Net Program Details

Novell surveyed CNEs to identify their requirements for on-going post-certification support. In the survey, CNEs clearly outlined what they need to help their organizations maximize their Novell software investments and keep their own competitive edge. The new program, at its inception, already provides many of those benefits that CNEs identified as the most highly valued, including information and support, access to the latest products, and interaction with peers. Most of these benefits will be available to CNE Net members by November 1, 1996. As members of CNE Net, CNEs receive:
  • Access to an exclusive CNE Net Web site. CNEs will get the inside line on the latest product plans and technical information or send feedback to product groups at Novell. They will be able to tap into the experiences of many other CNEs, through the CNE Web Site Chat Room. The Web site, located at www.novell.com/cnenet, is designed exclusively for CNEs and is password protected. Pin numbers will be issued to CNEs in late September.

  • Beta product and early releases. CNEs will be able to keep in touch with the latest product developments at Novell and be among the first to test-drive select new software.

  • Automatic distribution of patches, fixes, and technical information. CNEs will be able to select the products they want to know more about, through the CNE Web site. From there, Novell will send those CNEs the latest on-going information on their selected products--automatically and instantly, through their own e-mail.

  • Fifty percent off all technical support calls and on-line incidents. CNEs will have access to high-quality discounted support directly from Novell.

  • Access to free and discounted technical seminars and programs. CNEs will get the facts from Novell's technical experts.

  • Partner Vendor Products. CNE Net is opening up the avenue to CNEs for Novell partners who wish to sponsor benefits that Novell considers valuable to CNEs.

  • Free subscription to NetWare Connection magazine. CNEs can subscribe free to this publication in the United States and globally on the World Wide Web. International locations may subscribe to the magazine for the cost of mailing. NetWare Connection is focusing much of its editorial content to specifically target the information needs of CNEs.
In addition, CNE Net offers CNEs product discounts. CNEs will be able to select from a variety of these discounted offerings, including:
  • Novell Software Connection™ Library. CNEs may opt to receive limited-user versions of the latest products from Novell every quarter.

  • Novell Support Connection™ Advanced Technical Training. CNEs may order post-certification technical training videos at a 40% discount.

  • Fifteen percent discounts to NUI/CNE Conferences. CNEs may attend local technical seminars and tutorials, as well as vendor exhibits, at a 15% discount.

  • Novell Power Partner™. CNEs may sign up for the Novell Power Partner, the premier source for technical sales information and demonstration software.

  • Novell publications and tools. CNEs will receive substantial discounts on various publications and Novell tools, including Novell Application Notes, Novell Support Connection CD (formerly NSEPro), Novell Press® books, and more.

About Novell, Inc.

Founded in 1983, Novell (NASDAQ: NOVL) is the world's leading provider of network software. The company offers a wide range of network solutions for distributed network, Internet, Intranet and small-business markets. Novell education and technical support programs are the most comprehensive in the network computing industry. Information about Novell's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at http://www.novell.com.

Novell, NetWare, and Novell Press are registered trademarks, Software Connection and Support Connection are trademarks, and CNE is a registered *service mark of Novell, Inc. All other registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

Press Contact:
Virginia Baker
Marcom Manager
(801) 222-7736
Internet: vibaker@novell.com