Netware was THE standard for networking for several years. Novell's problems
are not technological -- as far as I know, it sits on top of just about
anything. In fact, NDS intimidated Microsoft so thoroughly that MS was
prodded into developing Active Directory.

Novell's problems are business related. First off, they made some really
unfortunate business decisions in the early 90's -- buying WordPerfect, for
instance, to compete with Microsoft Office. It ruined WordPerfect and
Novell.

Secondly, Microsoft deliberately targeted Novell, pursuing a strategy of
steadily incorporating every Novell advance into Windows NT. Using revenues
from Office, and its steadily expanding desktop monopoly, Microsoft could
literally bury Novell under a ton of money, which is exactly what it has
done.

The moral of the story is that better technology doesn't always translate to
better sales. Mediocre technology with outstanding marketing often does
better in the marketplace than whizbang technology with mediocre marketing.

Matt Copple
mcopple@kcopensource.org