Press Release

Novell Announces CNE Continuing Certification Requirement

Certified Novell Engineers to Achieve NetWare 5 Certification by Aug. 31, 2000 to Ensure Up-to-date Skills and Internet Technology Expertise

PROVO, Utah — Aug. 10, 1999 — Novell, Inc., the world's leading provider of directory-enabled networking software and services, today announced a continuing certification requirement for all Certified Novell® EngineerSM (CNE®) certification holders. The requirement reflects the expansion of Novell's core network management and security strengths to directory-based Internet solutions that seamlessly bridge the gap between the enterprise and the World Wide Web. The requirement keeps CNE skills current with industry-standard technologies such as TCP/IP, DNS and DHCP, enabling employers to continue to rely on the proven technology expertise of the CNE as they extend their networks to the Internet and intelligently manage change.

The continuing certification requirement is aimed directly at the more than 160,000 CNE certification holders but also affects those with Master CNESM status as well as those who are in the process of earning a CNE certification. If not already completed, a CNE must pass one exam to demonstrate NetWare® 5 proficiency before Aug. 31, 2000. Every CNE has the option of taking either the 529 NetWare 4.11 to NetWare 5 Update exam or the 570 NetWare 5 Advanced Administration exam to achieve NetWare 5 CNE status and maintain his or her current certification.

"NetWare 5 with Novell Directory Services® (NDS®) has been accepted into the marketplace faster than any previous version of NetWare," said Roger Blomgren, vice president of Novell Education. "This rapidly changing technology landscape requires each CNE to be diligent in staying current and even a bit ahead of the market. Novell is working to make sure the market realizes that the globally recognized and industry-leading CNE designation means proven directory knowledge and industry-standards expertise and value even as Novell technology strides forward."

David Truax of InfiNet Systems Corporation in Turlock, Calif., a CNE since 1996, believes the requirement to upgrade to NetWare 5 makes his certification that much more valuable. "This CNE continuing certification requirement helps maintain the credibility of the CNE certification both in the eyes of the customers we support and the industry in general."

To prepare for the NetWare 5 exam, authorized, instructor-led training is available through Novell Authorized Education CenterSM (NAECSM) and Novell Education Academic PartnerSM (NEAPSM) channels. Novell also offers self-study kits that can be purchased through these channels or through the Web at http://shop.novell.com/. The NetWare 5 exam required to maintain CNE status can be taken at any Novell authorized testing provider. For information on Novell's authorized training or testing providers, see http://www.novell.com/education.

As part of Novell Customer Services, Novell Education continues to be the leading provider of network training and certification programs to the growing IT industry. In addition to CNE and Master CNE, other Novell certifications include Certified Novell AdministratorSM (CNASM), Certified Novell InstructorSM (CNISM), Certified Internet ProfessionalSM and Certified Directory EngineerSM. During the past decade, more than half a million Novell certifications have been granted.

About Novell

Novell, Inc. (NASDAQ:NOVL) is the world's leading provider of directory-enabled networking software. Novell solutions give businesses total control of their private networks and the Internet, simplifying the management of user access and identity. Novell's worldwide channel, consulting, developer, education and technical support programs are the most extensive in the network computing industry.

For information on Novell's complete range of products and services, contact Novell's Customer Response Center at (888) 321-4CRC (4272), or visit Novell's Web site at http://www.novell.com. Press may access Novell announcements and company information on the World Wide Web at http://www.novell.com/pressroom. In addition, detailed comparisons between Novell products and competitive offerings from other vendors are available on the Web at http://www.novell.com/advantage.

Novell, NetWare, CNE, NDS and Novell Directory Services are registered trademarks or service marks, and Certified Directory Engineer, Certified Internet Professional, Certified Novell Administrator, Certified Novell Engineer, Certified Novell Instructor, CNA, CNI, Master CNE, NAEC, NEAP, Novell Authorized Education Center and Novell Education Academic Partner are service marks of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Press Contacts:
Kevan Barney
Novell, Inc.
Phone: (801) 222-4039
Internet: kbarney@novell.com

Stacey Sparks
Cunningham Communication, Inc.
Phone: (650) 858-3848
Internet: ssparks@ccipr.com