- Founded in 1979 as Novell Data Systems Inc., a computer manufacturer and maker of disk operating systems.
Reincorporated as Novell Inc. in January 1983 by Raymond J. Noorda and Safeguard Scientific, a venture capital firm, to design and market software and hardware used for data networks. Noorda becomes president and chief executive officer and later would become chairman of the board.
Company introduces NetWare, the first local-area network software based on file-server technology.
NetWare operation system updated by the early 1990s to add key features for distributed enterprises.
In 1996, interim CEO John Young starts program to make company's products Internet-ready.
Eric Schmidt, formerly Sun Microsystems' chief technology officer, takes over as Novell's top executive in March 1997. Schmidt soon announces goal to base all Novell products on IP, the Internet communications protocol.
Company cuts about 900 workers, about half in Utah, in September 2000.
In summer 2001, Novell acquires Cambridge Technology Partners to strengthen its ability to deliver both services and products to customers. Jack Messman, formerly the CEO of Cambridge, becomes Novell president and CEO. A filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission reveals top Novell executives had considered selling the entire company or parts of it before the Cambridge acquisition.
Company cuts about 1,400 jobs, including 84 in Utah, in late 2001.
On Monday, Novell announces plans to acquire SilverStream Software Inc. in deal valued at $212 million.