Ximian : Novell Acquires Ximian to Expand Linux Solutions and Open Source Commitment

Ximian : Novell Acquires Ximian to Expand Linux Solutions and Open Source Commitment : "'Linux is the fastest-growing platform in the market today because it helps customers meet challenges effectively, both from a cost and a performance perspective,' said Jack Messman, chairman and CEO of Novell. 'But customers still face two key business issues: how to provide cost-effective management and maintenance of Linux systems, and how to deploy and support low-cost Linux desktops within the organization. Novell now delivers market-leading solutions for both. Just as important, Ximian brings Novell unparalleled Linux expertise, helping us not only deliver more value to customers, but also strengthening our ability to work with and leverage open source initiatives more constructively.'
'Together, Novell and Ximian offer tremendous benefits for customers,' said David Patrick, president and CEO of Ximian, now general manager of what will be called the Novell Ximian Services business unit at Novell. 'Our breakthrough management and desktop products strongly complement Novell applications on Linux and Novell Nterprise Linux Services. The global Novell channel, partnerships with industry leaders and proven customer support will benefit customers. Novell as an enterprise company is the ideal choice for us to drive growth for the Linux market as a whole.' "

I have a hunch IBM should be more concerned about the acquisition than Microsoft should be, at least for the foreseeable future. Maybe this will be the tipping point that finally compels IBM to acquire Novell.