Novell condenses 4 business units into 2, says 2 executives to leave

Novell condenses 4 business units into 2

WALTHAM, Mass. — Novell Inc. said Monday that it will condense its four business units into two in an effort to streamline operations. The company, which sells computer-networking software and technology services, also said that two executives will leave.

Novell’s identity and security management, systems and resource management and open platform solutions business units will be rolled into a new security, management and operating platforms business unit.

Novell said Jim Ebzery, who had been senior vice president and general manager of identity and security management, will become the head of the new unit.

The company said that Colleen O’Keefe, senior vice president of global services, will also become senior vice president and general manager of Novell’s new collaboration solutions business unit. That unit will be responsible for Novell’s workgroup and services businesses.

Joe Wagner, currently senior vice president and general manager of systems resource management products, will become senior vice president and general manager of global alliances. His duties will include being responsible for the company’s strategic partnerships.

The company also said that Jeff Jaffe, chief technology officer and executive vice president of Novell’s business units, will leave the company Feb. 1. He will report to CEO Ron Hovsepian and work as a strategic adviser on an interim basis.

Roger Levy, senior vice president of strategic development, is also leaving, the company said.