Novell, a leading global provider of infrastructure software and services, will step up its investment in China by year's end.

"The investment includes setting up a research and development (R&D) centre, opening new regional branches, developing a local technology support centre, and strengthening ties with local partners," said Jack Messman, the chairman and CEO of Novell yesterday in Beijing.

By 2006, Novell will establish a R&D centre in Beijing as part of its global R&D infrastructure. The centre will focus on Linux desktop research and development, Linux internationalisation and localisation, and high performance Linux.

"Novell is increasing its investment in China because we believe we can have an enormous positive impact on economic growth in the region," Jack said.

Novell will continue to focus on establishing strategic alliances with local system integrators, distributors, and software vendors to create a vibrant network around Novell's Linux offerings in China. Novell will also work closely with local telecommunications vendors to develop Linux applications.

Novell signed an agreement with its local partner China Standard Software Company (CS2C) on Tuesday, announcing that they would co-operate to develop both Linux server and Linux desktop offerings for the Chinese market.

"As one of China's most competitive software companies, we are committed to the commercialisation of Linux and open source solutions,' Guo XianChen, vice-chairman of CS2C said on Tuesday. "We have a rich tradition of providing world-class Linux and open standard-based solutions to Chinese users. The co-operation between Novell and CS2C will further drive the development of the Linux industry in China to our mutual advantage. We are looking forward to great results from our co-operation with Novell," Guo said.

Besides the alliance with CS2C, Novell will co-operate and build a partnership with Huawei Technologies and Asiainfo Holdings in the country in the future.

"Together with our Chinese partners, we are dedicated to promoting the development of Linux and open source in the local market, as well as accelerating the Chinese software industry more broadly," Rhonda O'Donnell, chairman of Novell Asia-Pacific said.

As part of its investment plan, Novell will establish a local Technical Support Centre in Shenzhen in the near future to support its growing customer base in China. Novell will also, in conjunction with CS2C, launch a local Testing Centre in Beijing, providing testing and education licensing services for Chinese hardware and software vendors.

Novell also plans to strengthen its local team and coverage in the Chinese market by expanding its office presence.

(China Daily August 18, 2005)