After entering the networking field, Novell's goal had always been clear, focusing exclusively on operating systems.
If 3Com's position in the microcomputer local area network (LAN) sector is a bit like Apple's, then by extension, Novell could be compared to Microsoft.
In the beginning, the operating system developed by Novell was known as NOS.
Did you notice? It differs by only one letter from DOS.
In fact, there is indeed a deep connection between the two.
Both NOS and DOS were developed based on DROS, with common ancestry.
Therefore, Novell's network operating system could actually run entirely independently of Microsoft's software, while also being compatible with Microsoft's DOS.
Later, as Novell's network operating system became increasingly popular on microcomputer LANs, it found itself in the same advantageous position as Microsoft.
No matter which brand of PC and network hardware users employed, they could use Novell's operating system.
