Novell South Africa has announced the launch of an OEM program for its SUSE Linux desktop OS, which will see increased freedom of choice being afforded to PC buyers who, like in most other places had no choice but to buy computers with Windows bundled.

"We see ourselves as leading the trend in the desktop Linux space with this initiative, since we are the first region in Novell's operation worldwide to drive desktop Linux adoption through and OEM channel," says Stafford Masie, MD of Novell SA. "We believe that consumers can derive huge benefits from the availability of Linux in the mass market and this initiative will ensure that for the first time the Linux platform is easily within the reach of the public."

In charge of the initiative is Garry Hodgeson, who spent 1994 through 200 heading Microsoft's local OEM division. He says that Novell has already signed OEM agreements with the leading local computer brands. "The OEM program is not about targeting a switch from proprietary software to Open Source, but rather to provide a more cost-effective alternative, and an extremely viable one at that. The use of the Linux operating system and Open Source applications can dramatically reduce the cost of buying a new PC and provide savings that consumers and SMEs desperately need. It will also go a long way to driving the adoption of PCs in the local market, since ultimately it will lower the barrier to entry for many potential users."

Hodgeson noted that the OEM product will be manufactured locally, sold as part of locally-assembled PCs, supported by a locally-manned call center and marketed by local hardware resellers and solution providers. In addition, Novell has agreed to donate a portion of the revenues to the Digital Hope foundation.

"Open source software takes us from being adopters to innovators. It may be a very small step but this is a journey towards the vision of creating an internationally recognized software development and manufacturing industry in our country. An affordable computer in every home in our country, with software that is rich in functionality and not limited to proprietary licensing, will create a breeding ground for entrepreneurs."