Novell has garnered the largest market share in China's Linux Server Operating Environment for the first half of 2005, according to IDC's recent study "China Linux Market Analysis, 1H2005". The report shows that Novell leads the industry by revenue with 32.9 percent market share and in unit shipments with 30 percent.

"Novell grew faster than the market average in the first half of 2005 ," said Nielse Jiang, Market Analyst, IDC China. "The company's broad range of offerings is a key differentiator from other Linux vendors. Novell offers more than 180 software products, in addition to SUSE Linux."

Dr. Sen Ming Chang, managing director of Novell's Asia region, attributed Novell's growth in China to the company's investment in the region, leading edge technology, and understanding of local customers needs. "Novell's products are being applied across multiple industries and have gained wide acceptance," he said. "Novell's leading market share of Linux servers in China reflects Novell's commitment to China and our hard work. This market is growing rapidly and our comprehensive approach to working with customers and partners is paying off."

Over the past year Novell has executed an aggressive growth strategy in China, and has bolstered operations in the region by appointing several new Linux experts, including Chang, who was previously IBM's director of Linux in the Greater China region. As part of its investment strategy, Novell has established partnerships with some of China's top IT companies, including CS2C, Huawei, Neusoft, AsiaInfo, and Skybility.

Novell Linux products and services are widely used in the Chinese government, telecommunications, and financial services sectors. Customers include the People's Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of Communications Shanghai Branch, China Meteorological Administration, Hua Wei, ZTE, AsiaInfo, and China Post.