Jack Messman, Novell

What it means: After struggling for several years, Novell envisions a world in which networks of all types work together as one Net, securely connecting employees, customers, suppliers and partners across organizational boundaries. To do that, the company wants to combine end-to-end professional services with cross-platform Net-services software to deliver solutions that make the one Net vision a reality.

VARBusiness' View: With the help of vice chairman Chris Stone, Messman has tried to make Novell a more exciting and stable company. It bought SilverStream Software to appeal to developers, and it's readying a new version of its directory. Problem is, fewer people depend on Novell with each passing day. On the channel front, Novell's Clear Channel initiative, which outlines how partners can ally with the company, is drawing praise. With a stock at record lows and a consulting business in the tank, hurdles remain. Messman is trying, but a winning formula has yet to be found.

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