"If thought can corrupt language, then language can also corrupt thought."

--George Orwell

LAST week we highlighted a set of Novell lies or selective analysis delivered by its industrial 'buddies' [1, 2] (including Microsoft's too). It is a famous saying that “PR lies” or at best embellishes all sorts of facts and figures in order to increase sales.

The following press release (also here and here) is a good new example of Novell not telling the truth or delivering useless information in order to deceive.

Novell today announced more than 2,500 software applications are now certified on the latest versions of SUSE(R) Linux Enterprise, with an average of 140 new applications being added each month. Based on publicly available information, SUSE Linux Enterprise 9 and 10 have the most certified software applications when compared to the latest releases of all other commercial Linux* distributions.

Novell is being dishonest and it gets caught lying once again. In fact, two sources have independently busted Novell for these confusing numbers. Matt Asay, a former Novell employee, writes:

Novell needs a recount: Red Hat still leads in certified applications (Update)

[..]

I was a literature major, so perhaps my math is wrong. But I think this means that Red Hat has 1,765 more certified applications than Novell, which I believe means that it has a lot more than Novell. In most contests, having more points than the opposing team means you're leading, which would mean Red Hat remains the leader in certified Linux applications, not Novell.

Joe the "Var Guy" beat Asay to it.

Novell today claimed to have more certified software partners than rival Linux providers. The chest pumping represents Novell’s latest thinly veiled attack against Red Hat. But take a closer look at Novell’s claims and you’ll see why Red Hat may take issue with some of Novell’s statements.

[...]

Novell attacked Red Hat in mid-November, with a new offer to help partners migrate customers from Red Hat Enterprise Linux to SUSE Linux.

Watch the comments where it states:

# Ron Says: November 25th, 2008 at 11:13 am

“Stretched the truth.” “Bending the truth.” Give me a break!

Since when have we redefined the word “truth” to take on a meaning other than what it had? Just call it what it is: a lie.

# The VAR Guy Says: November 25th, 2008 at 11:17 am

Ron: Point well taken.

It all boils down to brainwash, which Novell seems to be getting more of.

In a press release, Pan said it has been "retained to elevate Novell's overall corporate message, increase exposure for the company's solution areas and deliver coverage which underscores the company's promise of 'making IT work as one.' Pan will also devise creative thought leadership programs."

A company called "Pan" will handle some of Novell's PR aspects, much like Microsoft uses external agencies to bully, to spy, to profile, to bribe, and to pressure journalists [1, 2, 3].

Pan won the business after a review; billings were not disclosed.

“Pan has strong enterprise IT credentials and a reputation for aggressive media relations,” said Ian Bruce, director of global public relations at Novell, in a statement.

"Aggressive," eh? Like those dirty tricks Novell used against Red Hat [1, 2]? Novell is becoming more like Microsoft all the time, not just in terms of marketing but also in terms of staffing and technical preferences.

The Utah press has this new report about a Salt Lake City-based marketing company with connections to Novell.

The economy is racing toward recession and advertising budgets are shrinking, but Salt Lake City-based marketing communications agency Axis41 is wrapping up its best year.

[...]

Wiest, Wright and a third partner, Ron Pynes, started Axis41 almost eight years ago. The name is a tip of the hat to their former employer, Novell, the computer network operating system provider where Wiest was in charge of marketing communications, Wright ran the company's Web site and Pynes led Novell's global advertising efforts.

Marketing is hardly a productive occupation that contributes anything to society. It's about delivering brainwash to people. Beware the Novell marketers and boosters. They exist to confuse [1, 2, 3, 4]. ⬆

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PAN Communications Named Public Relations Agency of Record for Novell, Inc.

Monday November 24, 9:53 am ET

ANDOVER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PAN Communications, Inc., an award-winning, full-service public relations firm, today announced that it has been named the agency of record for Novell, Inc. in the United States and Canada. Novell is a leading enterprise software company that delivers the best engineered, most interoperable Linux platform and a portfolio of integrated IT management software that helps customers around the world reduce cost, complexity and risk. Novell also specializes in Identity & Security Management Solutions (ISM) which helps companies simplify governance so their businesses operate smoothly. Novell’s ISM solutions deliver policy-driven components that automate security and resource management tasks.

“Novell’s reputation in the industry makes this a significant win and addition to PAN’s technology portfolio,” said Mark C. Nardone, executive vice president at PAN Communications. “Based on the seasoned team we assembled, we were confident that our experience in Novell’s industries would be a valuable resource to their marketing team as they further build Novell’s historic brand, while strengthening the company’s visibility with all stakeholders. We look forward to a great partnership and are honored to be selected from such a distinguished list of agencies they considered.”

PAN has been retained to elevate Novell’s overall corporate message, increase exposure for the company’s solution areas and deliver coverage which underscores the company’s promise of “making IT work as one.” PAN will also devise creative thought leadership programs, assist with Novell’s social media initiatives, conduct outreach to business press, manage overall media relations and secure speaking opportunities and industry awards, among other activities.

“PAN has strong enterprise IT credentials and a reputation for aggressive media relations,” said Ian Bruce, director of global public relations at Novell. “We selected PAN after meeting a dozen firms and going through a detailed RFP process. PAN offered the right blend of experience, insight and drive; but most importantly, presented a very talented team to represent Novell.”

About PAN Communications

PAN Communications is an independent public relations agency that delivers high-impact programs to increase visibility and market share for its clients. An award-winning agency with an extensive portfolio of nationwide clients, PAN serves emerging and established organizations in the technology, professional services and consumer sectors. For more information on how PAN creates awareness and opportunity for its clients, visit our website at www.pancommunications.com or call 978.474.1900.

Contact:





PAN Communications
Ani Bardakjian, 978-474-1900 x143
abardakjian@pancomm.com