Novell will launch a bundle of its network services running on Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SuSE Linux Enterprise Server later this year.

And in 2004, the entire services stack from Netware will be running on Linux, the company said, as revealed this April by vnunet.com.

Novell claimed that its Novell Nterprise Linux Services product, due in the autumn, will give Linux users file, print, messaging, directory and management services.

The initial offering will include identity services via Novell eDirectory and DirXML, file services via Novell iFolder, printing services via iPrint, messaging services via NetMail and management services via Zenworks for Servers.

It will also include a Virtual Office for end-user access and productivity via exteNd Director Standard Edition.

Novell said that version 6.5 of Netware, due in August, and Nterprise Linux Services will provide parallel paths for Netware and Linux users until they meet at Netware 7, when the complete Novell services set will run on both the NetWare and Linux kernels. Netware 7 is scheduled for release in 2004.

"Linux faces several impediments to mainstream acceptance including lack of Linux expertise and experience in the organisation, an organisation's ability to integrate Linux into their network, and issues with ongoing support of Linux environments," said Dan Kusnetzky, vice president of system software research at IDC.

"Novell's move to expand customers' options and support Linux is likely to go a long way towards resolving these issues."

Steve Brown, Novell's UK managing director, told vnunet.com that customers have been evaluating their options around Linux, and asking about Novell's migration path.

He added that the move to offer services on Linux has been welcomed by customers. "It's providing a choice," he said.

Brown stated that support for other distributions such as Turbo Linux and Connectiva would follow later.

By giving customers the option of running NetWare services on Linux, the company hopes to stabilise NetWare's market share and attract new customers. Pricing for the new product is yet to be decided.

Jack Messman (pictured), chairman and chief executive of Novell, said in a statement: "Providing network services on Linux is a natural extension of our proven cross-platform strategy and brings the value of secure, scalable and reliable Novell networking to the rapidly growing Linux server market."

Server vendors Hewlett-Packard, IBM and Dell also issued statements today supporting the launch of Novell Nterprise Linux Services.

Get the latest news, views and technology updates in a weekly round up of the Penguin's unstoppable march by signing up to vnunet.com's FREE Linux newsletter here.