Novell Intros Instant Messaging Software

Novell has launched itself into the Internet
instant messaging arena with instantme. Although the client software is free of charge to end users, Novell is hoping to make its money
from the enterprise versions of the package, which will be available on Solaris and Linux platforms by the end of the year.

Unveiling the software at the Brainshare 2000 developer's conference late Tuesday, Novell said that it allows users to communicate in
real time on the Internet, as well as enabling business to enhance communications with partners, customers and suppliers.

Rather than "reinvent the wheel," instantme is fully compatible with the AOL Buddy List Network, which Novell said is the world's largest instant messaging community.

Novell has ambitious plans for the software, however, and said it
will release a secure version of the software in the second quarter - this will make the package the first secure application in its class, integrating encryption and digital certificates as
standard features.

As with most Novell applications, instantme dovetails in with existing Novell applications, including the Novell NDS eDirectory
and digitalme technologies.

Dave Shirk, the firm's senior vice president, said that modern instant messaging software are focused on enabling consumer-to-consumer communications.

"While these products have become ingrained in the consumer market,
enterprises have started to realise the need to deliver a
communication medium for quick messages," he said, adding that Novell is addressing the enterprise market with instantme.

"It enables e-businesses to quickly communicate with co-workers and
trading partners on the Internet," he said.

instantme's client edition is being offered free of charge and is
said to be compatible with Windows 95, 98, NT and Windows 2000. Download this new release from FileForum.