Summary: Novell backtracks on an outrageous little attempt to charge for patches; problems in the UK carry on

AS Novell's problems (especially in the UK) carry on with the introduction of nasty new fees (report from the UK press), executives are baiting and switching.

To use the words of this reporter from IDG, Novell "Announces subscription needed for patches -- before backtracking on plan"

This is a routine that Novell tried before. To quote from this new article:

There was a time, perhaps a dozen years ago, when Novell owned the identity management market. Of course, it's always been said of Novell that they have great technology, and abysmal marketing. They have managed to shoot themselves in the foot numerous times over the years -- and now they've done it again.

[...]

Not even their most ardent foes have ever suggested that Microsoft deliberately ships buggy software. But now we must consider that Novell could be doing so.

Oh, Novell.

It all comes at a rather dysphoric time of distribution cutbacks and some major departures. ChannelWeb (UK) has this new report about the ETC-Novell relationship breaking down.

ETC has confirmed that it is one of the two distributors that has parted company with Novell in its latest distribution shuffle.

ChannelWeb also has this new report which indicates that Novell carries on losing top staff in the UK. Its channel chief moved to McAfee.

Former Novell channel boss Jill Henry, who has joined McAfee as UK and Ireland channel director, said she would build that team back up to eight and invest in more telephone and enablement support for partners.

We wrote about Henry's departure one month ago. ⬆