Novell gives a boost to rival's browser

Novell is to feature Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) in its products, including its flagship OS, NetWare 5.

The networking giant currently bundles Netscape Communicator and shares technology with Netscape through their Novonyx joint venture. However, Novonyx is slowly being pulled into the Novell fold.

According to Novell: "The agreement provides customers with more flexibility and the freedom of choice in how they interface with the web."

IE will be available as part of a regularly updated client CD, but will not ship with the first batch of NetWare 5.

Senior Novell executives have been moving the company away from its confrontational stance with Microsoft.

Chris Stone, Novell's senior vice president strategy and corporate development, said: "Novell entered into this agreement with customers' interests in mind. When 90 per cent of the web browser market is owned by either Microsoft or Netscape, it just makes sense to give customers both web navigation options."