Novell takes on Windows
Novell has boasted that its newly released Linux Desktop 9 operating system (OS) will threaten Microsoft Windows on corporate desktops, but channel players disagree.
Novell, which started shipping the new OS last week through its partners, recently claimed its operating system contains as much security and reliability as Windows and is sufficiently developed to challenge the Microsoft platform.
Linux Desktop 9 is available under a pricing package that includes software upgrades and updates for one year. The OS also comes backed by Novell's support, training and consulting services.
Nick McGrath, head of platform strategy in the UK at Microsoft, claimed that the software giant is not worried by Novell's comments.
"I'm seeing very little adoption of open source in the market. Partners want to ensure they get a product that has a continuous life cycle, and that's what they get with Windows," he said.
McGrath added that according to various analysts, pricing is also an issue.
"Among a number of studies of open source on the desktop, a recent Gartner study revealed that Linux on the desktop can be between 25 and 28 per cent more expensive than Windows," he claimed.
