Novell takes some small steps, yet not a majority of them -- if any at all -- involve GNU/Linux. The latest involves an appointment at the high level.

Novell today appointed Jim Ebzery as senior vice president, Identity and Security Management. Formerly president of the Viisage Division of L-1 Identity Solutions and a long-time IBM executive, Ebzery brings both deep technical and extensive business expertise to the role. Ebzery will be responsible for leading product development, product marketing and strategy for the identity and security management business unit, overseeing one of Novell's key growth areas.

Another press release talks about a new deal. While Novell consistently describes itself as an Open Source and Linux company at the bottom of its press releases, not many of its recent moves go beyond legacy.

The nation's 13th-largest school district, Fairfax County Public Schools, is stepping up to the challenge of securing user identities and simplifying access to technology resources for its 164,000 students, their parents and almost 22,000 employees. Novell's technology will help Fairfax County Public Schools manage a frequently changing student population, heightened identity and security challenges, and a heterogeneous IT environment.

Noteworthy is this article with some further analysis.