Novell released Novell Linux Desktop 9, a Linux desktop distribution derived from Suse Linux. Linux Desktop 9 brings Novell's extensive distribution system and partner network to the goal of providing and supporting an enterprise desktop client system.
Like other desktop Linux systems, Desktop Linux places emphasis on a simple, no-frills collection of tools rather than on a broad and versatile collection of utilities for the arbitrary user. The focus of Linux Desktop is on client tools and workstation productivity applications, and, as one might expect, Novell takes pains to integrate the system with other features of the Novell network, such as the ZENworks management suite. Applications associated with Novell Linux Desktop 9 include Evolution, Mozilla Firefox, and the OpenOffice.org suite.
According to Novell chairman Jack Messman, "Novell Linux Desktop is not about the wholesale replacement of your Windows systems, but rather it's about identifying where and when an open source desktop can be a sensible, cost-effective alternative."
Of course, they do not rule out the possibility of wholesale Windows replacement, and in fact, the emphasis on enterprise deployment may eventually place Desktop Linux in direct competition with Microsoft for the corporate client desktop. For now, Novell has been beta-testing Linux Desktop for uses such as service counters, call centers, and information kiosks.
