Novell buys Managed Objects

Novell has announced it is set to acquire Managed Objects, the business services management firm, for an undisclosed sum.

Novell said the deal will add to its own data centre lineup, and praised Managed Object's Configuration Management Database (CMDB) technology.

"This acquisition extends Novell's strategy of making IT work as one in the data center," said Joe Wagner, senior vice president of systems and resource management at Novell. "The Managed Objects products are very complementary to our existing management and virtualisation capabilities."

His thoughts were echoed by Siki Giunta, president and chief executive of Managed Objects, who said there was very little product overlap between the two firms, adding: "Novell and Managed Objects are a natural fit because they share a common ideology for openness and vendor neutrality."

The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2009 - which begins next month. Managed Objects will be integrated into Novell's Systems and Resource Management business unit.