Novell's Open Enterprise Server is expected to begin public beta testing in early November, the software manufacturer announced this week. Open Enterprise Server includes Novell's NetWare and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 operating systems with a common management interface, which lets customers choose how they want to deploy the product's networking, communication, collaboration and application services.

A statement from Jack Messman, Novell chairman and CEO, noted that, "With the application and Web capabilities of SUSE Linux, Open Enterprise Server provides an open and flexible alternative to Microsoft. Customers can now choose to deploy services on either NetWare or SUSE Linux Enterprise Server or both, even running in a mixed environment with Windows servers."

Novell Open Enterprise Server is currently undergoing closed beta testing by the largest beta testing pool in Novell's history. To obtain the beta software, visit http://www.novell.com/oes.

Networking services that operate across the NetWare and Linux kernels in Open Enterprise Server include: advanced file and print services with Novell iFolder, Novell Storage Services, NetStorage and Novell iPrint; Identity services with Novell eDirectory; High availability with Novell Clustering; installation and patching/update services with Novell ZENworks; common management and administration with Novell iManager.

Pricing and general availability are not yet available.