Chris started off with talking about certain “myths” that exist about
Open Source. He did allude to SCO a couple of times, however
again refrained from mentioning names … good job. During his
discussion about these myths, he indicated that Open Source is still a
capitalist business.
He is pushing that Novell is going to provide an alternative desktop
solution … the Linux Desktop. The benefits being more choice,
less cost, and increased security. What is again facinating is
that he blurs the lines about what is “Linux” and what is not. He
seems to continue the “myth” that all of the applications software is
“Linux” … Linux is the kernel.
He is commiting that all of Novell will move off of Microsoft Office to
Open Office by mid-Summer 2004. Half employees on to Linux
desktops by the same time. All Novell employees will be on Novell
Linux by late 2004.
They have a strong emphasis on Web Services and Digital Identity.
They are pushing their relationship with the Liberty Alliance. It
is good to see that they are embracing Web Services … I’ll be looking
for more details on how they are Web Service enabling their products
and solutions. How many of these are available now, or soon?
It’s interesting to hear his current section on the Future of NetWare
… he is on the verge of saying that “the kernel doesn’t matter”
… which is exactly what I believe. He talked about the fact
that customers ought to be looking at the “upper layers” of software
and applications. And then he says these are Linux … but they
aren’t. Linux is the kernel. The upper layers are GNU, and
Open Source software … more specifically – UNIX-compatible
software. They are serious about hardening the Linux v2.6 kernel,
and increasing hardware and software support, more multimedia and
wireless support, and again increased security.
For developers, they are committed to Eclipse, and continuing to
develop the Mono project. Both of these are good moves …
“Linux has injected new life into Novell” … I would agree. And
it’s more than the Linux kernel … it’s what could have happened years
ago … just new management.
Ok … they just showed a “Lord of the Rings” rip off video that was
pretty funny … and they just introduced Linus Torvalds … live
and on stage!