Novell (Nasdaq: NOVL) has joined the China Linux Standards Group, launched this spring by the Chinese government to promote Linux in China.

Representatives from Novell China will work with the Standard Group's officials and other members to contribute to the group's Linux standardization initiatives and education efforts, providing a push toward further Linux adoption in China.

The China Linux Standard Group was founded in April 2004 with approval from China's Ministry of Information Industry. The group is responsible for developing and defining essential standards for Linux-related architectures. Novell will participate with other members to coordinate input from various local and national software development communities and Chinese enterprises, and provide Linux consulting and guidance to Chinese IT scholars and experts. This initiative is expected to help shape the emerging Linux market in China.