Novell, who has placed its eggs in the Linux basket, has announced open beta availability of Nterprise Linux Services.

Consequent of its recent acquisition of the Ximian brand, Novell has married the management services of Ximian's Red Carpet with Nterprise. The final product is set for delivery later this year.

Nterprise is designed to give customers file, directory, print, management and messaging services in one package. It is compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SuSE Linux Enterprise Server distributions.

The Nterprise Linux Services component is a piece of the larger Novell Nterprise.

"As Novell's Linux strategy rapidly unfolds to customers, the benefits are becoming plain to see," said Chris Stone, Novell vice chairman – Office of the CEO. "We're moving more of Novell's rock-solid networking technology to Linux, supporting it along with Linux, and now integrating Ximian products to benefit customers immediately."

The software maker has shied away from its cornerstone NetWare suite, embracing a new multiplatform strategy that includes Linux and Java.

This philosophy is evangelized by Stone in a recent statement reading, "Novell is in the business of delivering useful solutions that don't waste customers' time and money, and Nterprise Linux Services is that kind of solution.

"More choice is the key," said Stone. "Whether Novell technology, open source or some combination, the right answer is whatever's best for the given customer."

Beta versions of Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0 will be ready in mid-October. Pricing and availability have not yet been announced. For more information, visit Novell online.