Novell announced it has set a northern autumn deadline for the release of its new corporate Linux version that merges the Ximian desktop and SUSE Linux distribution.
Novell purchased SUSE Linux this year, after picking up Ximian the previous year. Up until now the two companies have not merged products or software.
Tentatively called SUSE Linux Desktop, the system’s core is the SUSE Linux operating system very similar to the certification that is offered with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. The GNOME interface and software is being offered repackaged in the Ximian Desktop.
Novell is still deciding what software will be included. Some companies and products, like RealNetworks' media player, and Mono, the open source implementation of Microsoft's .NET infrastructure, have been confirmed, while integration of other software integration such as the Mozilla browser is up in the air.
Novell says the final product will probably use the Novell logo.