Four days before the Microsoft/Novell deal was made, Phil Morettini, President of PJM Consulting, wrote the following:

The Rise and Fall of Novell

Unfortunately, in some cases, being targeted by Microsoft sometimes builds a company up in its own view. It's almost a baptism into the big-time. Microsoft is worried about us; we're a peer to them now! We must really be smart! This leads to a false sense of security about the company's true position in the market, leading to the second factor which can bring a company down--Arrogance.

Novell had plenty of excuses to be arrogant, even without Microsoft's attention. They were truly dominating the Network Operating System business. The brand was dominant, the product was good, and the worldwide distribution network of VARs and distributors was second to none. Sales people at Novell no longer had to sell--they took orders.

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• Novell Admits Being Selfish?
• Analysing the Rationale for the Deal