Novell to Fire as Many as 1,400 Workers

Novell Inc., a Utah-based maker of computer network software, will fire as many as 1,400 employees, or 19% of its work force, to return to profitability as demand for the company’s programs and consulting services slips. The move will reduce Novell’s staff to 6,000.

In the early 1990s, Novell dominated the market for software to link personal computers to business networks. Microsoft Corp. toppled Novell’s NetWare by making its Windows NT more compatible with the Internet. Novell responded by trying to sell more consulting services.

Novell shares dipped 5 cents to close at $3.94 on Nasdaq. They have dropped 52% in the last year.