The Novell/Microsoft deal is being criticised in yet another writeup that foresees trouble.

With Bill Gates getting ready to clear his desk and spend more time with his family (of servers), there had never been a better opportunity for Microsoft to shed its reputation as the 'Evil Empire'. Goodbye to the surly, unrepentant Mr Microsoft, and hello to cuddly Steve Ballmer, infamous for bounding around the stage at company get-togethers.

Novell received an upgrade ahead of its delayed financial reports. It has, on the other hand, just signed a deal.

"Business software maker Novell has signed a lease for 16,634 square feet of space in Vienna.