Microsoft Corp to form partnership with Novell Inc

November 2nd, 2006

Washington, D.C. - Microsoft Corp is to form an unusual partnership with Novell Inc, an open source software provider that sells Linux-based operating systems in competition to Microsoft's own Window's software, the online edition of the Wall Street Journal reported.

Microsoft Corp is to form an unusual partnership with Novell Inc, an open source software provider that sells Linux-based operating systems in competition to Microsoft's own Window's software, the online edition of the Wall Street Journal reported.

Citing people familiar with the companies, the report said Microsoft will offer sales support of Suse Linux, an operating system sold by Novell.

The agreement, which isn't final, also includes the development of technologies that will make it easier for systems to run on both Window's or Suse Linux operating systems.

The Journal said an announcement was expected at a press conference in San Francisco later today.

The report added that Microsoft would also not assert patent rights over the software technology that may be incorporated into Suse Linux.