According to Novell, it can be installed in as little as 30 minutes, it can help lower management costs, and can simplify the administration process of distributing software or updates. All while “significantly” lowering the cost of Linux ownership for enterprise customers.

“It” is Ximian Red Carpet Enterprise 2, available with immediate effect, according to an announcement by the Utah-based company that last August acquired Ximian.

As a secure, customizable solution that in Version 1 already automated the central management of software on workstations and servers running a variety of Linux distributions, Red Carpet Enterprise version 2 makes it even more possible, says, Novell, for customers to concentrate resources on other strategic projects.

"The powerful new management features and broad Linux OS support in this version extend Novell's leadership in Linux software management," said Alan Nugent, CTO of Novell.

Red Carpet Enterprise integrates with external repositories, making automated enterprise Linux updates a reality. It also offers what Novell describes as “the industry's broadest support of Linux distributions and applications” (including SUSE LINUX, Red Hat, and Ximian).

Novell are releasing Red Carpet Enterprise 2 as part of Novell Resource Management, for managing enterprise Linux desktop and server environments, but Red Carpet Enterprise can also extend the Linux capabilities of Novell ZENworks.

With this move, combined with the pending acquisition of SUSE LINUX announced last week, Novell - in the company's own words - "continues to fulfill its commitment to provide a full range of Linux solutions."

• Novell Goes Fishing

• Bio of Alan Nugent, CTO