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Novell CEO Shakeup Puts Ron Hovsepian in Charge

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the corporate-machinations dept.

jht writes "Arriving in my Inbox a few minutes ago (I'm a Novell Partner), was the announcement that effective immediately, CEO Jack Messman and CFO Joe Tibbetts are out of jobs at Novell. Existing president Ron Hovsepian was named CEO, and an interim CFO was named as well. Messman will stay on the board thru the end of October, though. A webcast of the conference call should be available shortly at www.novell.com/company/ir." ukhackster links to ZDNet's coverage of the shakeup, writing "It looks like [Messman's] been blamed for Novell's poor performance in the Linux space versus Red Hat. But can Linux ever be a real cash cow?"

5 of 129 comments (clear)

  1. Can linux ever be a real cash cow!? by saleenS281 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Can it? Is that a rhetorical question? Linux already is a cash cow, I think Redhat proved that long ago...

  2. Like this? by i_want_you_to_throw_ · · Score: 5, Funny

    killall -HUP NovellCEO

  3. Linux=CashCow by infosec_spaz · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I agree with the guy up there...Linux is already a cash cow...Look at how many companies who make software that runs on Linux are very prosperous, and look at Novell...They have been around a long time, and they plan on being here much longer, hell, I love most of their software, it has a place, and as long as they keep up with the market, and know where to put the software, they will keep a strong customer base. That said, I know several companies who are already running their enterprise Linux, with Netware services and LOVE it!! Yes, Linux will continue to proliferate the enterprise, and as long as companies like Novell are pushing it, it will get there relatively fast.

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    ----- I have bad karma for a reason! -----
    1. Re:Linux=CashCow by Lumpy · · Score: 5, Interesting

      The funny part is the number of nay-sayers here that have zero clue as to the amount of penetration that linux has.

      Linux is absolutely number one in integrated items. Most mp3 players at the home component level to many pocket units run linux. most DVD players sold run linux, most PVR's run linux, Commercial security pvr's run linux, almost all SIP phones are linux based.... the list goes on and on and on.

      IP security cameras, etc...

      In the high end home automation and integration bix I find linux to be more prevalent than microsoft or QNX or other os types simply because of cost (Crestron is a MS whore with their embedded XP but most of their items are repackaged devices available with linux already in them... Adagio Music server for one example.)

      This is ignoring the server room and workstations.... Linux is everywhere.

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      Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
  4. It's about damn time... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    All I can say is that I've worked with both of these men in the past, and Ron is clearly a better choice to lead Novell. Ron brings something very unique to the table - a deep understanding of the technologies Novell is focusing on. Additionally, he has a very clear vision of how to execute on their corporate strategy.

    If any of you had ever seen Messman speak at LinuxWorld, BrainShare, or other events, you should have recognized that he was just reading words off of a sheet of paper (or teleprompter). He didn't seem to exhibit even the most basic of understanding when it came to either major Novell product focus (Identity Management and Linux/Open Source). Additionally, he wasn't the best public speaker. Don't get me wrong, he was a great guy - just not the type of person to reinvent a company like Novell.

    Novell has some great ideas, better products, and a cohesive strategy. Ron Hovsepian is the type of person to leverage these strengths and bring Novell back to the position of strength it once enjoyed.