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                           SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

          Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
                    Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.  )
        
Filed by the Registrant [X]

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_] 

Check the appropriate box:

[_]  Preliminary Proxy Statement        [_]  Confidential, for Use of the 
                                             Commission Only (as permitted by
                                             Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X]  Definitive Proxy Statement 

[_]  Definitive Additional Materials 

[_]  Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12

                                NOVELL, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

                          
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

   
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

[X]  No fee required.

[_]  Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

   
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         pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which
         the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

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[_]  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
     
[_]  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
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     was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
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Notes:




 
                        Novell, Inc.         Ph 801 861-7000
                        122 East 1700 South  http://www.novell.com
                        Provo, UT 84606
 
                        March 28, 1997
 
[LOGO OF NOVELL]
 
                        Dear Shareholder:
 
                        You are cordially invited to attend the Company's 1997
                        Annual Meeting on Friday, May 2, 1997. Please note
                        that the Annual Meeting has been scheduled for May 2,
                        1997 not April 9, 1997.
 
                        At the meeting your management will review actions
                        taken during fiscal 1996. We will also present our
                        tactics for 1997 to make Novell stronger and more
                        competitive.
 
                        The meeting will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m., local
                        time, at our California location, 2275 Trade Zone
                        Boulevard, Building 6, the Forest Conference Room, San
                        Jose, California. Please note a map has been provided
                        for your convenience.
 
                        The official Notice of Meeting, proxy statement and
                        form of proxy are included with this letter. The
                        matters listed in the Notice of Meeting are described
                        in detail in the proxy statement.
 
                        The vote of every shareholder is important. Mailing
                        your completed proxy will not prevent you from voting
                        in person at the meeting if you wish to do so. Please
                        complete, sign, date and promptly mail your proxy (For
                        our registered shareholders holding stock in their own
                        name on the books of the Company, you may vote by
                        touch-tone telephone toll-free). Your cooperation will
                        be greatly appreciated.
 
                        Members of your Board of Directors and management look
                        forward to greeting personally those shareholders who
                        are able to attend.
 
                        Sincerely,
                        
                        /s/ David R. Bradford
 
                        David R. Bradford
                        Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate
                        Secretary

 
                              [LOGO OF NOVELL]
 
                                NOVELL, INC.
 
                              ----------------
 
                   NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                        TO BE HELD FRIDAY, MAY 2, 1997
 
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF NOVELL, INC.:
 
  Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of NOVELL,
INC. will be held at the Company's California offices located at 2275 Trade
Zone Boulevard, Building 6, San Jose, California 95131, on Friday, May 2,
1997, at 2:00 p.m., local time, for the following purposes:
 
1. To elect seven directors;
 
2. To approve and ratify the adoption of an amendment to the Novell, Inc. 1989
   Employee Stock Purchase Plan to increase the shares reserved for issuance
   thereunder from 8,000,000 to 12,000,000;
 
3. To ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors for
   Novell, Inc.; and
 
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or
   any adjournments thereof.
 
  Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 21, 1997 will
be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any
adjournments thereof.
 
                                          By Order of the Board of Directors,
 
                                          LOGO
                                          David R. Bradford
                                          Senior Vice President, General
                                           Counsel and Corporate Secretary
 
March 28, 1997
 
 
 YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. ACCORDINGLY, YOU ARE ASKED TO COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE
 AND RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED, WHICH
 REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.

 
                                PROXY STATEMENT
 
                                      OF
 
                                 NOVELL, INC.
 
  This Proxy Statement and the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy
Card are being furnished to the shareholders of Novell, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Novell" or the "Company"), in connection with the solicitation
of proxies by the Board of Directors of the Company for use at the 1997 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of the Company (the "Annual Meeting") to be held at
the Company's California offices located at 2275 Trade Zone Boulevard, San
Jose, California 95131, on Friday, May 2, 1997, at 2:00 p.m., local time, and
any adjournment thereof. The Company's telephone number at that address is
(408) 434-2300. These proxy materials are being mailed on or about March 28,
1997, to all shareholders of record as of March 21, 1997, of the Company's
Common Stock. At the Annual Meeting, the Company's shareholders will be asked
to elect seven directors, to approve and ratify the adoption of an amendment
to the Novell, Inc. 1989 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Purchase Plan"),
to ratify the appointment of independent auditors and to vote on such other
matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
 
  The Company's principal executive officers are located at 122 East 1700
South, Provo, UT 84606.
 
PERSONS MAKING THE SOLICITATION
 
  All expenses of the Company in connection with this solicitation will be
borne by the Company. In addition to solicitation by mail, proxies may be
solicited by directors, officers and other employees of the Company by
telephone, telegraph, telefax or telex, in person or otherwise, without
additional compensation. The Company will also request brokerage firms,
nominees, custodians and fiduciaries to forward proxy materials to the
beneficial owners of shares held of record by such persons and will reimburse
such persons and the Company's transfer agent for their reasonable out-of-
pocket expenses in forwarding such material. Additionally, the Company has
elected to retain the services of Corporate Investor Communications, Inc. for
the purposes of broker nominee search, distribution of proxy materials to
banks, brokers, nominees and intermediaries and solicitation in order to
obtain voted proxies for the Annual Meeting at an estimated cost of $6,500,
plus out-of-pocket expenses.
 
RECORD DATE AND SHARES OUTSTANDING
 
  Shareholders of record, at the close of business on March 21, 1997 (the
"Record Date"), of the Company's Common Stock, par value $.10 per share
("Common Stock"), are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting
and any adjournment thereof. On the Record Date, 347,654,776 shares of Common
Stock were outstanding and entitled to vote. Each outstanding share of Common
Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on all matters set forth in this
proxy statement. As of the Record Date, the closing price of the Common Stock
on the Nasdaq National Market was $10.31 per share.
 
REVOCABILITY OF PROXY
 
  A proxy may be revoked by a shareholder prior to the voting at the Annual
Meeting by written notice to the Secretary of the Company, by submission of
another duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by voting in person at the
Annual Meeting. Such notice or later proxy will not affect a vote on any
matter taken prior to the receipt thereof by the Company or its transfer
agent. The mere presence at the Annual Meeting of the shareholder who has
appointed a proxy will not revoke the prior appointment. If not revoked, the
proxy will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions
indicated on the Proxy Card by the shareholder or, if no instructions are
indicated, will be voted FOR the slate of directors described herein, FOR the
approval and ratification of the adoption of an amendment to the Novell, Inc.
1989 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, FOR the ratification of independent
auditors and as to any other matter that may be properly brought before the
Annual Meeting, in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holders.

 
QUORUM; ABSTENTIONS; BROKER NON-VOTES
 
  The required quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting is
a majority of the votes eligible to be cast by holders of shares of Common
Stock issued and outstanding on the Record Date. Shares that are voted "FOR",
"AGAINST" or "WITHHELD FROM" a matter are treated as being present at the
meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum and are also treated as shares
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting (the "Votes Cast") with respect to such
matter.
 
  The Company believes that abstentions should be counted for purposes of
determining both (i) the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction
of business and (ii) the total number of Votes Cast with respect to a proposal
(other than the election of directors). In the absence of controlling
precedent to the contrary, the Company intends to treat abstentions in this
manner. Accordingly, abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against
the proposal.
 
  While broker non-votes should be counted for purposes of determining the
presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business, broker non-
votes should not be counted for purposes of determining the number of Votes
Cast with respect to the particular proposal on which the broker has expressly
not voted. Accordingly, the Company intends to treat non-votes in this manner.
Thus, a broker non-vote will not affect the outcome of the voting on a
proposal.
 
SECURITIES OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
  The following table sets forth, as of February 28, 1997, information
relating to the beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock by each
person known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than five
percent of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, by each director, by each
of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table (the "Named
Officers"), and by all current directors and executive officers as a group.
 


                                                            COMMON STOCK(1)
                                                         ----------------------
                                                                    PERCENT OF
                                                         NUMBER OF  OUTSTANDING
                                                           SHARES     SHARES
                                                         ---------- -----------
                                                              
   Raymond J. Noorda(2)................................. 25,883,644    7.46%
    899 West Center Street
    Orem, UT 84057
   Eric E. Schmidt(3)...................................    900,000       *
   Joseph A. Marengi....................................    243,762       *
   Elaine R. Bond.......................................     84,500       *
   Hans-Werner Hector...................................     28,997       *
   Jack L. Messman(4)...................................    431,000       *
   Larry W. Sonsini.....................................     54,100       *
   Ian R. Wilson(5).....................................    111,500       *
   John A. Young........................................     57,995       *
   Mary M. Burnside.....................................    297,273       *
   James R. Tolonen(6)..................................    344,149       *
   Glenn Ricart.........................................     79,575       *
   David R. Bradford....................................    179,159       *
   Robert J. Frankenberg(7).............................      1,000       *
   Steven Markman(7)....................................     29,200       *
   All current directors and executive officers as a
   group (18 persons)(8) ...............................  3,185,078    0.91%

 
- --------
 * less than one percent
 
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the persons named have sole voting and
    investment power over the number of shares of the Company's Common Stock
    shown as being beneficially owned by them. As to each person or group
    named in the table, the table includes the following shares issuable upon
    exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days from February 28,
    1997: Ms. Bond 79,500, Mr. Hector 23,997, Mr. Messman
 
                                       2

 
   119,5000, Mr. Sonsini 47,500, Mr. Wilson 103,500, Mr. Young 47,995, Mr.
   Marengi 200,788, Ms. Burnside 239,688, Mr. Tolonen 199,938, Mr. Ricart
   42,500 and Mr. Bradford 137,625, all current directors and executive
   officers as a group 1,465,243.
 
(2) Of such shares, (i) 15,533,144 are held by a trust (of which Mr. Noorda is
    a co-trustee) for the benefit of members of Mr. Noorda's immediate family
    and (ii) 10,350,500 shares are held by Dialogic Systems Corporation, a
    corporation in which Mr. Noorda holds 100% of the stock.
 
(3) Under his employment contract, Dr. Schmidt was granted a right to buy
    900,000 shares of restricted stock. Dr. Schmidt purchased said shares on
    March 18, 1997. See "Executive Compensation--Employment Contract,
    Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements."
 
(4) Includes 31,500 shares held by Mr. Messman's adult children living at
    home, as to which he disclaims beneficial ownership.
 
(5) Mr. Wilson holds 8,000 shares as trustee for his Defined Benefit Pension
    Plan.
 
(6) Includes 8,472 shares held by Mr. Tolonen's adult child living at home, as
    to which he disclaims beneficial ownership.
 
(7) Former executive officer.
 
(8) Dr. Schmidt is included even though he was not a director and executive
    officer until April 7, 1996.
 
                                 PROPOSAL ONE
 
                             ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
  Since last year's annual meeting of shareholders, the Board of Directors has
adopted a resolution decreasing the number of authorized directors from eight
to seven effective April 7, 1997. Accordingly, a Board of seven directors is
to be elected at the Annual Meeting. Unless otherwise indicated by the
shareholder on the Proxy Card, the persons named in the Proxy Card as proxies
for this meeting will vote in favor of each of the following nominees as
directors of the Company. Directors elected at the Annual Meeting will hold
office until the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, and until
their successors are duly elected and qualified, except in the event of their
earlier death, resignation or removal. Management has no reason to believe
that any of the nominees will be unable or unwilling to serve if elected. If
any nominee should become unavailable prior to the election, the accompanying
Proxy Card will be voted for the election in his or her stead of such other
person as the Board of Directors may recommend.
 


                                                                  DIRECTOR
        NAME                    PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION               SINCE   AGE
        ----                    --------------------              -------- ---
                                                                  
 Eric E. Schmidt    Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the     1997    41
                     Board
                     effective April 7, 1997(1)
 Elaine R. Bond     Retired Chase Fellow/Senior Consultant of       1993    61
                     The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.(2)
 Hans-Werner Hector Cofounder and former Member of Advisory         1995    57
                     Board of SAP AG, Germany(3)
 Jack L. Messman    President and Chief Executive Officer of        1985    56
                     Union Pacific Resources Group, Inc.(4)
 Larry W. Sonsini   Member of the law firm of Wilson Sonsini        1988    56
                     Goodrich & Rosati, Professional
                    Corporation(5)
 Ian R. Wilson      Managing Partner of Dartford Partnership(6)     1989    67
 John A. Young      Retired President and Chief Executive           1995    64
                     Officer of Hewlett-Packard Company(7)

- --------
 
                                       3

 
(1) Eric E. Schmidt
 
  Dr. Schmidt entered into an employment contract with Novell on March 18,
  1997 whereby he would become Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
  Board on April 7, 1997. Since 1983, Dr. Schmidt has held various positions
  at Sun Microsystems, Inc. (world class supplier of network computing
  solutions) including Chief Technology Officer from February 1994 to March
  1997 and president of Sun Technology Enterprises from February 1991 until
  February 1994. Dr. Schmidt is also a director of Geoworks, Inc. and Siebel
  Systems, Inc
 
(2) Elaine R. Bond
 
  Ms. Bond retired in December 1994 as a Chase Fellow and Senior Consultant
  for Chase Manhattan Bank (a New York based Money Center Bank), a position
  held since December 1991. Ms. Bond is also a director of Washington
  National Corporation.
 
(3) Hans-Werner Hector
 
  Cofounder of SAP AG, Germany (an international provider of general purpose
  software). Mr. Hector was a member of Advisory Board of SAP AG from June
  1995 until December 1996. Mr. Hector also served as Chief Executive
  Officer, President and Vice Chairman for SAP America, Inc., a fully owned
  subsidiary of SAP AG, from February 1992 to January 1995. Mr. Hector was
  also a Member of the Board of Directors of SAP AG from 1972 to June 1995.
 
(4) Jack L. Messman
 
  Chief Executive Officer of Union Pacific Resources Group, Inc. (an oil and
  gas company) since March of 1991. Mr Messman is also Chairman of Union
  Pacific Resources Group, Inc. since October 1996. Mr. Messman previously
  served as President of Union Pacific Resources Group, Inc. from March 1991
  to October of 1996. Mr. Messman is also a director of Cambridge Technology
  Partners, Inc., Tandy Corporation, Safeguard Scientific, Inc., U.S. Data,
  Inc. and Union Pacific Resources Group, Inc.
 
(5) Larry W. Sonsini
 
  Member and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich &
  Rosati (a law firm) for more than the last five years. Mr. Sonsini is also
  a director of Lattice Semiconductor Corporation, Pixar, Inc., Pure Atria
  Software and Silicon Valley Group, Inc.
 
(6) Ian R. Wilson
 
  Managing partner of Dartford Partnership (a holding company) since August
  1994. Mr. Wilson served as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer
  and President of Windmill Holdings Corp., (a milling and baking company)
  from February 1989 until January 1995. Mr. Wilson is a director of New Age
  Beverages Investments Limited, Golden State Foods, Corp., CAMAC Holdings,
  Inc., Windy Hills Pet Food Company and Van de Kamp's, Inc.
 
(7) John A. Young
 
  Mr. Young retired in 1992 from his position as Chief Executive Officer of
  Hewlett-Packard Company, (an international computation and measurement
  company), a position he held for fifteen years. He has had a long
  association with competitiveness issues having chaired President Reagan's
  Commission on Industrial Competitiveness and founded the Council on
  Competitiveness in 1986. Mr. Young is also a director of Wells Fargo & Co.,
  Chevron Corp., SmithKline Beecham plc, Shaman Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
  Affymetrix, Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. and Lucent Technology, and is a
  member of The Business Council. He also is chairman of the board of Smart
  Valley, Inc.
 
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
  The Board of Directors held ten meetings, including four telephone
conference call meetings during the fiscal year ended October 26, 1996.
 
  The Board of Directors has three committees. The Audit Committee is
comprised of Directors Messman as chairman, Bond, Hector and Young. The
Compensation Committee is comprised of Directors Young as chairman, Bond and
Messman. The Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of Directors Wilson
as
 
                                       4

 
chairman and Sonsini and also included Director Ashton until he resigned from
his position as a director in November 1996. There is no nominating committee,
but the Corporate Governance Committee performs the function of a nominating
committee.
 
  The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors met four times during fiscal
1996. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee include recommending to the
Board the selection of the independent auditors and reviewing the Company's
internal accounting controls. The Audit Committee is authorized to conduct
such reviews and examinations as it deems necessary or desirable with respect
to the practices and procedures of the independent auditors, the scope of the
audit, accounting controls, practices and policies, and the relationship
between the Company and its independent auditors, including the availability
of Company records, information and personnel.
 
  The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors met nine times during
fiscal 1996. The Compensation Committee establishes the Company's compensation
philosophy, determines CEO and other executive compensation, and administers
the Company Incentive Plan and the employee stock plans. See "Report of the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on Executive Compensation."
 
  The Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors met twice
during fiscal 1996. The responsibilities of the Corporate Governance Committee
include establishing qualifications to serve on the Board and Committees of
the Board, identification of nominees for Board membership, reviewing
procedures for CEO succession and Board retirement policies, analyzing and
establishing Board compensation, and establishing general guidelines for the
operation of the Board of Directors. The Corporate Governance Committee
accepts nominations for Board membership, which nominations will be reviewed
in accordance with the procedures established for reviewing such nominations
by the Committee. Any such nomination should be submitted to the Secretary of
the Company. See "Report of the Corporate Governance Committee."
 
  During the last fiscal year, all directors attended at least 75% of the
meetings of the Board and Committees of which they were members.
 
VOTE REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDATION
 
  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
SLATE OF NOMINEES SET FORTH ABOVE.
 
  The seven nominees for director receiving the highest number of affirmative
votes of the shares present or represented by proxy and entitled to be voted
for them shall be elected as directors. Votes withheld from any director are
counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for
the transaction of business, but have no other legal effect under Delaware
law. Shareholders do not have the right to cumulate their votes in the
election of directors.
 
                                 PROPOSAL TWO
 
              APPROVAL AND RATIFICATION OF THE ADOPTION OF AN 
        AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S 1989 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
 
PROPOSED AMENDMENT
 
  On December 5, 1996, the Board of Directors of the Company approved an
amendment to the Novell, Inc. 1989 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("Purchase
Plan") to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the
Purchase Plan from eight million (8,000,000) to twelve million (12,000,000).
At the 1997 Annual Meeting, the shareholders are being asked to approve such
increase in shares under the Purchase Plan. The Board of Directors believes
that the adoption of this amendment to the Purchase Plan will encourage and
assist employees of Novell to acquire an equity interest in the Company, help
align employee interests with other shareholders, help provide for the future
financial security of Novell employees and foster good employee relations. The
Purchase Plan should thereby be helpful in attracting, retaining and
motivating employees. The terms of the Purchase Plan are described below. A
copy of the amended Purchase Plan will be furnished by the Company to any
shareholder upon written request to the Corporate Secretary.
 
                                       5

 
DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE PLAN
 
  The following is a brief summary of the material features of the Purchase
Plan.
 
  Eligibility. Any person who is employed by Novell (or by any of its
designated subsidiaries) for at least twenty hours per week and more than five
months per calendar year is eligible to participate in the Purchase Plan,
subject to certain limitations imposed by Section 423(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). No person who owns or hold
options to purchase, or who, as a result of participation in the Purchase
Plan, would own or hold options to purchase five percent (5%) or more of the
outstanding stock of the Company is entitled to participate in the Purchase
Plan. As of February 28, 1997, approximately 5,850 employees were eligible to
participate.
 
  Participation in an Offering. Each offering of Common Stock under the
Purchase Plan ("Offering") will be for a period of approximately six months.
The commencement of each Offering under the Purchase Plan will start at the
beginning of the Company's regular payroll periods that fall closest to
November 1 and May 1 of each year. To participate in the Purchase Plan,
eligible employees must authorize payroll deductions pursuant to the Purchase
Plan. Such payroll deductions may not exceed ten percent (10%) of regular base
salary (including sales commissions that are not in excess of target income).
Once an employee becomes a participant in the Purchase Plan, the employee will
automatically participate in each successive Offering until such time as the
employee withdraws from the Purchase Plan or the employee's employment
terminates. As of February 28, 1997 there were approximately 2,950
participants in the Purchase Plan.
 
  Purchase Price. The purchase price per share at which the shares of Common
Stock are acquired under the Purchase Plan will be equal to 85% of the lesser
of the fair market value of the Common Stock on (i) the first day of the
Offering or (ii) the last day of the Offering. The fair market value of the
Common Stock on any relevant date will be equal to the closing bid price per
share as reported on the Nasdaq National Market.
 
  Shares Purchased. The number of shares of the Common Stock a participant
purchases in each Offering is determined by dividing the total amount of
payroll deductions withheld from the participant's paychecks during the
Offering by the purchase price. In any calendar year, no participant may
purchase more than $25,000 worth of stock (determined at the fair market value
of the shares at the time the option is granted). At Novell's option, any cash
not applied to the purchase of fractional shares will either be returned to
the participant or applied toward the purchase of shares in subsequent
Offerings.
 
  Withdrawal. A participant may withdraw from an Offering at any time without
affecting his or her eligibility to participate in future Offerings. In
effect, therefore, a participant is given an option that he or she may or may
not exercise. However, once a participant withdraws from an Offering, that
participant may not participate in the same Offering.
 
  Administration and Amendment. The Purchase Plan is to be administered, at
the Company's expense, by the Board of Directors or a committee appointed by
the Board, and is currently being administered by the Board's Compensation
Committee. All questions of interpretation or application of the Purchase Plan
are determined in the sole discretion of the committee, and its decisions are
final and binding upon all participants. Members of the Board of Directors or
its committee who are eligible employees are permitted to participate in the
Purchase Plan but may not vote on any matters that affect the administration
of the Purchase Plan. No member of the Board who is eligible to participate in
the Purchase Plan may be a member of the committee appointed to administer the
Purchase Plan. The committee may at any time amend or terminate the Purchase
Plan, except that such termination shall not affect options previously
granted, nor may any amendment make any change in an option previously granted
that would adversely affect the rights of any participant. No amendment may be
made to the Purchase Plan without the approval or ratification of the
shareholders of the Company if such amendment would require shareholder
approval under Section 423 of the Code, Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any other applicable law or
regulation.
 
                                       6

 
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
  The following summary is intended only as a general guide as to federal
income tax consequences under current law of participation in the Purchase
Plan and does not attempt to describe all potential tax consequences.
Furthermore, tax consequences are subject to change and a taxpayer's
particular situation may be such that some variation of the described rules is
applicable. Accordingly, participants have been advised to consult their own
tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences of participating in the
Purchase Plan.
 
  The Purchase Plan is intended to be an "employee stock purchase plan" within
the meaning of Section 423 of the Code. Under a plan that so qualifies, no
taxable income will be reportable by a participant, and no deductions will be
allowable to the Company, by reason of the grant of the option at the
beginning of an Offering or the purchase of shares at the end of an Offering.
A participant will, however, recognize taxable income in the year in which the
shares purchased under the Purchase Plan are sold or otherwise made the
subject of disposition.
 
  A sale or other disposition of the purchased shares will be a disqualifying
disposition if it is made within two years after the date the option is
granted (i.e., the commencement date of the Offering to which the option
pertains).
 
  If the participant makes a disqualifying disposition of the purchased
shares, then the Company will be entitled to an income tax deduction for the
taxable year of the Company in which such disposition occurs, equal to the
amount by which the fair market value of such shares on the date of purchase
exceeds the purchase price. In no other instance will the Company be allowed a
deduction with respect to the participant's disposition of the purchased
shares.
 
  If the participant disposes of the shares after satisfying the holding
period outlined above (a qualifying disposition), then the participant will
realize ordinary income in the year of disposition equal to the lesser of (i)
the amount by which the fair market value of the shares on the date of
disposition exceeds the purchase price or (ii) 15% of the fair market value of
the shares on the day the option relating to the disposed shares was first
granted. This amount of ordinary income will be added to the basis in the
shares and any gain (or loss) recognized upon the disposition will be a long-
term capital gain (or loss). Currently, the long-term capital gains rate is
capped at 28%.
 
  If the shares are disposed of in a disqualifying disposition, then the
excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of purchase over the
purchase price will be treated as ordinary income to the participant at the
time of such disposition. Even if the shares are disposed of for less than
their fair market value measured as of the date of purchase, the same amount
of ordinary income is attributed to a participant, and a capital loss is
recognized equal to the difference between the sales price and the fair market
value of the shares on such date of the purchase.
 
PARTICIPATION IN THE PURCHASE PLAN
 
  Participation in the Purchase Plan is open to all employees of the Company
who work 20 hours or more during a normal work week and more than five months
per calendar year, including the executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table (the "Named Officers"). Participation is voluntary and is
dependent on each eligible employee's election to participate and their
respective determination as to the level of payroll deductions. Accordingly,
future purchases under the Purchase Plan are not determinable. No purchases
have been made under the Purchase Plan since the amendment described above. As
of the date of this proxy statement, 7,010,793 shares of Common Stock have
been acquired by employees of the Company through participation in the
Purchase Plan. The Company has received approximately $84.1 million from the
purchase of stock by employees through the Purchase Plan. Non-employee
directors are not eligible to participate in the Purchase Plan.
 
                                       7

 
  The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases of
Common Stock by Named Officers, to all current executive officers as a group
and to all other employees as a group during the last fiscal year ended
October 26, 1996:
 
                             AMENDED PLAN BENEFITS
                       1989 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
 


                                                 NUMBER OF SHARES
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL OR                            PURCHASED UNDER      DOLLAR
IDENTITY OF GROUP AND POSITION                   PURCHASE PLAN (#) VALUE ($)(1)
- ------------------------------                   ----------------  ------------
                                                             
Joseph A. Marengi,..............................            0             --
 President and Chief Operating Officer
Mary M. Burnside................................            0             --
 Executive Vice President Corporate Services
James R. Tolonen................................            0             --
 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
Glenn Ricart....................................        1,075           2,076
 Executive Vice President Chief Technology
Officer
David R. Bradford...............................          246             414
 Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Robert J. Frankenberg...........................          769           1,485
 Former President, CEO and Chairman
Steven Markman..................................            0             --
 Former Executive Vice President
All current executive officers as a group (18
persons)........................................        4,584           6,176
All other employees as a group..................    1,689,607       2,863,617

 
- --------
(1) Fair market value on date of purchase, minus the purchase price.
 
VOTE REQUIRED AND BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S RECOMMENDATION
 
  Ratification and approval of the increase in shares reserved under the
Purchase Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the Votes Cast.
Accordingly, abstentions will have the same effect as votes against this
proposal and broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of voting on this
proposal.
 
  The Board of Directors believes that the opportunity for employees to
acquire shares pursuant to the Purchase Plan will be important to attract and
retain qualified employees essential to the success of the Company.
 
  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT
TO THE PURCHASE PLAN.
 
                                       8

 
                                PROPOSAL THREE
 
             RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP 
                           AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  Upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, which is composed entirely
of independent directors, the Board of Directors has appointed Ernst & Young
LLP ("Ernst & Young") as independent auditors for the Company to audit its
consolidated financial statements for fiscal 1997 and to perform audit-related
services and consultation in connection with various accounting and financial
reporting matters. Ernst & Young also performs non-audit services for the
Company.
 
  The Board has directed that the appointment of Ernst & Young be submitted to
the shareholders for approval. The affirmative vote of a majority of the Votes
Cast is required for approval. If the shareholders do not approve the
selection of Ernst & Young, the Audit Committee and the Board will reconsider
the appointment.
 
  Ernst & Young or its predecessors have audited the consolidated financial
statements of the Company since 1987.
 
  The Company has been advised by Ernst & Young that it will have a
representative present at the Annual Meeting who will be available to respond
to appropriate questions. The representative will also have the opportunity to
make a statement if he or she desires to do so.
 
  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE
SELECTION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.
 
                                       9

 
                            EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
  The following Summary Compensation Table shows compensation paid by the
Company for services rendered during fiscal years 1996, 1995 and 1994 for (i)
all persons serving as Chief Executive Officer during fiscal 1996, (ii) the
four most highly compensated executive officers serving at fiscal year end and
(iii) one former executive officer who would have been included in the
category described in subsection (ii) had he still been an executive officer
at fiscal 1996 year end of the Company whose salary plus bonus exceeded
$100,000 in fiscal 1996 (the "Named Officers").


                                                        LONG-TERM
                                                       COMPENSATION
                       ANNUAL COMPENSATION(1)             AWARDS
                  ------------------------------------ ------------
                                                                    SECURITIES
   NAME AND                               OTHER ANNUAL  RESTRICTED  UNDERLYING  ALL OTHER
   PRINCIPAL              SALARY   BONUS  COMPENSATION STOCK AWARDS  OPTIONS   COMPENSATION
   POSITION       YEAR      ($)   ($)(2)     ($)(3)       ($)(4)      (#)(5)      ($)(6)
- ---------------   ----    ------- ------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ------------
                                                          
Joseph A.
 Marengi.......   1996    403,980 193,819       --       362,625     454,000      24,093
 President and
  Chief
  Operating       1995    381,447 171,171       --           --          --       20,374
 Officer          1994    324,676 175,324       --       315,500      95,000       4,500
Mary M.
 Burnside .....   1996    347,843     --        --       362,625     200,000      14,839
 Executive Vice
  President       1995    354,061 135,428       --           --          --       16,380
 Corporate
  Services        1994    298,857 147,000       --       315,500      80,000       4,500
James R.
 Tolonen.......   1996    347,200     --        --       362,625     209,000      14,377
 Executive Vice
  President and   1995    360,600 137,929       --           --          --       16,317
 Chief
  Financial
  Officer         1994    295,509 147,000       --       315,500      80,000       4,500
Glenn Ricart...   1996    273,896     --     30,415      435,150     110,000      10,006
 Executive Vice
  President and   1995(7)     --      --        --           --          --          --
 Chief
  Technology
  Officer         1994        --      --        --           --          --          --
David R.
 Bradford......   1996    241,847     --        --       181,313      86,000       9,705
 Senior Vice
  President and   1995    220,000  69,091       --           --          --       12,386
 General
  Counsel         1994    186,141  74,000       --       315,500      55,000       4,500
Robert J.
 Frankenberg(8).  1996    641,052     --        --           --      300,000      97,146
 Former CEO,
  President       1995    504,445 308,721       --           --          --       21,577
 and Chairman
  of Board        1994    288,462 225,000   321,141      612,288     600,000       1,731
Steven
 Markman(9) ...   1996    283,485     --        --       302,188     239,000      10,006
 Former
  Executive
  Vice
  President       1995    200,000  62,458       --           --          --        6,574
                  1994     42,308     --        --           --       80,000         --

- --------
(1) Compensation deferred at the election of the executive, pursuant to the
    Novell, Inc. Retirement and Savings Plan and the Deferred Compensation
    Plan, is included in the year earned.
 
  As of 1996 fiscal year end each Named Officer had the following number of
  restricted stock having a value as noted: Mr. Marengi, Ms. Burnside and Mr.
  Tolonen 30,000 shares each, value of $300,000 per officer, Mr. Ricart
  36,000 shares, value $360,000 and Mr. Bradford 15,000 shares, value
  $150,000.
 
(2) Cash bonuses for services rendered in fiscal years 1995 and 1994 have been
    listed in the year earned, but were actually paid in the following fiscal
    year. Bonuses were calculated based on the operating results of the
    Company and performance of the individuals. No bonuses were earned for
    1996. The amount listed for Mr. Marengi is sales commission based on his
    responsibilities until August 1996 as Executive Vice President of
    Worldwide Sales. See "Report of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
    Directors on Executive Compensation."
 
(3) Mr. Frankenberg received $190,500 in fiscal 1994 to cover expenses
    relating to the relocation of his primary residence from California to
    Utah. In addition, $110,196 was paid for the gross-up of taxes on the
    total related relocation expenses. Mr. Ricart received $30,415 in fiscal
    1996 to cover expenses in the relocation of his primary residence from
    Maryland to Utah.
 
                                      10

 
(4) Restricted stock awards are valued in the Summary Compensation Table at
    the Company's closing price on the date of grant less the purchase price
    of $0.10 per share. Mr. Frankenberg received a Restricted Stock Grant of
    36,500 shares on April 5, 1994. Such shares vest 50% per year on award
    anniversary date. Named Officers Marengi, Burnside, Tolonen and Bradford
    each received a restricted stock award of 20,000 shares on October 19,
    1994. Such shares vest over a two-year period with 25% vested one year
    from award date and the remaining 75% vested two years from award date. On
    March 1, 1996, Named Officers Marengi, Burnside and Tolonen each received
    a restricted stock award of 30,000 shares, Named Officers Ricart and
    Bradford received a restricted stock award of 36,000 and 15,000
    respectively. Former officer Markman received a restricted stock award in
    December 1995 and March 1, 1996 of 20,000 and 25,000 respectively. Such
    shares vest over a two-year period with 50% vested one year from award
    date and the remaining 50% vested two years from award date. Officers have
    the right to vote such shares and to receive cash dividends thereon (if
    any) but any stock dividends bear the same vesting restrictions as the
    shares with respect to which they are issued.
 
(5) In addition, the following stock options were granted in November 1996,
    after fiscal year end, to Named Officers: Marengi 200,000, Burnside and
    Tolonen, 75,000 each, Ricart 60,000 and Bradford 35,000 when their
    performance for fiscal 1996 was reviewed.
 
(6) The stated amounts are Company matching contributions to the Novell, Inc.
    Retirement and Savings Plan and the Deferred Compensation Plan. Mr.
    Frankenberg's All Other Compensation for 1996 also includes $75,300
    associated with his separation contract.
 
(7) Mr. Ricart was not an executive officer during fiscal 1995.
 
(8) Mr. Frankenberg resigned from the Company in August 1996.
 
(9) Mr. Markman resigned from the Company in September of 1996.
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
  Non-employee Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer of $20,000
plus a Board meeting fee of $1,200 for each Board meeting attended.
Additionally, the directors are reimbursed for their expenses incurred in
attending meetings of the Company's Board of Directors. Non-employee Directors
receive $1,000 additional compensation for committee meetings attended; the
Committee chairman also receives an annual retainer of $2,500. In August 1996,
at the time Mr. Frankenberg resigned, Director Young entered into a consulting
agreement pursuant to which he became Chairman of the Board and agreed to
provide consulting services to the Company as needed. Director Young receives
a consulting fee of $10,000 a week and was granted a non-statutory stock
option, at fair market value to acquire 100,000 shares of Company Common Stock
under the Company 1991 Stock Plan. The shares become 100% vested on March 31,
1997 and must be exercised within twelve months from termination of the
consulting agreement. The consulting agreement shall terminate at the end of a
specified period after written notice has been provided by either party.
 
  Under the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as
amended, each non-employee Director who joins the Board will automatically
receive options to purchase 30,000 shares vesting as to 25% annually over four
years. In addition, each current non-employee Director will receive an Annual
Grant of options to purchase 15,000 shares vesting as to 50% annually over two
years. Upon change in control, an option will become exercisable in full by a
non-employee Director if within one year of such change in control the non-
employee Director ceases for any reason to be a member of the Board. See also
"Executive Compensation--Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan ".
 
  Novell has a Directors' Charitable Award Program (the "Award Program") to
acknowledge the service of directors to the Company and enhance indirectly the
ability of the Company to attract and retain directors of the highest caliber.
All members of the Board are eligible for the Award Program, subject to
vesting requirements. The Award Program is funded by life insurance policies
purchased by the Company, which provide for a $1 million death benefit to
participating directors. Upon the death of a participating director, the
Company will
 
                                      11

 
donate $1,000,000 (paid in ten equal annual installments) to non-profit
organizations recommended by the director. Individual directors derive no
financial benefit from the Award Program since all available insurance
proceeds and tax deductions accrue solely to the Company.
 
  On August 17, 1995, non-employee Directors Messman, Sonsini and Wilson
received a cash-only stock appreciation right relating to 13,333 shares of the
Company's Common Stock. Each right entitles the holder to a cash payment on
April 12, 1998, in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market
value per share of the Common Stock on that date over $20.9375, the closing
price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market on August 17, 1995.
The holder's right to receive the cash payment vests in three annual
installments, based upon the holder's continued status as a director of the
Company. Upon the holder's receipt of a cash payout of the right, the holder
will recognize compensation income for federal income tax purposes equal to
the amount actually received, and the Company will receive a corresponding
deduction.
 
STOCK OPTIONS GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1996
 
  The following table provides information with respect to stock options
granted during fiscal 1996 to the Named Officers. No stock appreciation rights
have been granted by the Company.


                                                                   
                                                                   
                                                                   
                                                                   
                                                                   
                                     INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                   POTENTIAL     
                         ------------------------------------------ REALIZABLE VALUE AT
                         NUMBER OF   % OF TOTAL                       ASSUMED ANNUAL   
                         SECURITIES   OPTIONS                         RATES OF STOCK   
                         UNDERLYING GRANTED TO                      PRICE APPRECIATION 
                          OPTIONS    EMPLOYEES  EXERCISE            FOR OPTION TERM(1) 
                          GRANTED    IN FISCAL   PRICE   EXPIRATION ------------------- 
          NAME             (#)(2)    YEAR (3)    ($/SH)     DATE     5% ($)    10%($)
- ------------------------ ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- --------- ---------
                                                            
Joseph A. Marengi.......  75,000(4)     0.4     14.6250   12/22/05    689,819 1,748,136
                          75,000(5)     0.4     12.1875   03/01/06    574,849 1,456,780
                          54,000(4)     0.3     12.1875   03/01/06    413,891 1,048,882
                         250,000(4)     1.3     10.4375   09/06/06  1,641,022 4,158,672
Mary M. Burnside........  75,000(4)     0.4     14.6250   12/22/05    689,819 1,748,136
                          75,000(5)     0.4     12.1875   03/01/06    574,849 1,456,780
                          50,000(4)     0.3     12.1875   03/01/06    383,233   971,187
James R. Tolonen........  75,000(4)     0.4     14.6250   12/22/05    689,819 1,748,136
                          75,000(5)     0.4     12.1875   03/01/06    574,849 1,456,780
                          59,000(4)     0.3     12.1875   03/01/06    452,215 1,146,000
Glenn Ricart............  40,000(5)     0.2     12.1875   03/01/06    306,586   776,949
                          70,000(4)     0.4     12.1875   03/01/06    536,526 1,359,662
David R. Bradford.......  56,000(4)     0.3     14.6250   12/22/05    515,065 1,305,275
                           4,000(5)     0.02    14.6250   12/22/05     36,790    93,234
                          26,000(5)     0.1     12.1875   03/01/06    199,281   505,017
Robert J.
Frankenberg(6).......... 300,000(4)     1.6     14.6250   12/22/05  2,759,275 6,992,545
Steven Markman(7).......  75,000(4)     0.4     14.6250   12/22/05    689,819 1,748,136
                          75,000(5)     0.4     12.1875   03/01/06    574,849 1,456,780
                          89,000(4)     0.5     12.1875   03/01/06    682,154 1,728,713

 
- --------
(1) Potential realizable value is based on an assumption that the stock price
    of the Common Stock appreciates at the annual rate shown (compounded
    annually) from the date of grant until the end of the ten-year term of the
    option. These numbers are calculated based on the requirements promulgated
    by the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not reflect the Company's
    estimate of future stock price growth.
 
(2) The Novell option plans are administered by a committee of the Board of
    Directors. The committee determines the eligibility of employees and
    consultants, the number of shares to be granted and the terms of such
    grants. All options were granted at fair market value on date of grant and
    vest over four years. In the event of a merger of the Company or the sale
    of substantially all of the assets of the Company, unvested options shall
    be assumed by the acquiring company. The Board of Directors has the right
    to accelerate
 
                                      12

 
    unvested options if the acquiring company is unwilling to assume the
    options. In the event of a change in control, except as otherwise
    determined by the Board prior to the occurrence of such change in control,
    all options shall be fully exercisable and vested and shall be terminated
    in exchange for a net cash payment. The plans provide for various methods
    of exercise. The Company currently allows for cash, cashier's check or
    cashless exercise.
 
(3) Options to purchase an aggregate of 18,527,866 shares were granted to
    employees in fiscal 1996.
 
(4) Non-statutory option having an exercise price equal to the fair market
    value on the date of grant, vesting 25 percent one year from grant date
    and thereafter 6.25 percent per quarter over three years and having a term
    of ten years.
 
(5) Non-statutory option having an exercise price equal to the fair market
    value on the date of grant, vesting 25 percent one year from grant date
    and thereafter 6.25 percent per quarter over three years and having a term
    of ten years. Furthermore, if Novell stock closes at $18.00 per share or
    higher for 30 consecutive days, any remaining unvested shares shall vest
    at twice the rate of the prior stated schedule.
 
(6) Options have expired due to Mr. Frankenberg's resignation in 1996.
 
(7) Mr. Markman's options have expired due to his resignation in September
    1996.
 
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION
VALUES
 
  The number of options exercised and the value realized from any such
exercise during fiscal 1996 and the number and value of options held at fiscal
year end for the Named Officers are set forth in the following table.
 


                                              
                                              
                                                 NUMBER OF SECURITIES       VALUE OF UNEXERCISED   
                                                UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED      IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS   
                                                   OPTIONS AT FISCAL       AT FISCAL YEAR END (1)  
                           SHARES      VALUE         YEAR END (#)                    ($)           
                         ACQUIRED ON  REALIZED -------------------------- ------------------------- 
          NAME           EXERCISE (#) ($) (2)  EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ------------------------ -----------  -------- -----------  ------------- ----------- -------------
                                                                    
Joseph A. Marengi.......        0         --     135,100       511,500          0            0
Mary M. Burnside........   30,000     322,750    175,000       255,000          0            0
James R. Tolonen........   20,000     222,500    133,000       264,000          0            0
Glenn Ricart............        0         --      10,000       140,000          0            0
David R. Bradford.......   39,000     357,250    105,500       123,500          0            0
Robert J.
Frankenberg(3)..........        0         --     300,000(4)          0          0            0
Steven Markman(3).......        0         --     227,500(5)          0          0            0

 
- --------
(1) Value of unexercised options is (i) the fair market value of the Company's
    Common Stock at fiscal 1996 year end less the option exercise price per
    share of in-the-money options, times (ii) the number of shares subject to
    such options. At fiscal year end 1996 fair market value of stock was
    $10.00, therefore no options held by Named Officers had a reportable
    value.
(2) Value realized upon exercise is (i) the fair market value of the Company's
    Common Stock on the date of exercise, less the option exercise price per
    share, times (ii) the number of shares exercised.
(3) Former Executive Officer.
(4) Mr. Frankenberg resigned in August 1996, these options have expired
    thereafter unexercised.
(5) Mr. Markman resigned in September 1996, these options have expired
    thereafter unexercised.
 
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT, TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE IN CONTROL
ARRANGEMENTS
 
  All current Named Officers of Novell are under employment contracts.
 
                                      13

 
  Novell entered into employment contracts with Named Officers Marengi,
Burnside, Tolonen and Bradford at the end of fiscal 1994. The term of the
contracts is two years with an automatic renewal for 18 months, unless
terminated by either party. Novell entered into an employment contract with
Mr. Ricart in February 1996 upon his promotion to Executive Vice President and
Chief Technical Officer. Base salary is to be reviewed annually and is at
least the amount set forth: Marengi, $333,333; Burnside, $350,000; Tolonen,
$350,000; Ricart, $300,000 and Bradford, $220,000. All Named Officers will
participate in the incentive bonus program except Mr. Marengi. Based upon the
accomplishment of certain performance goals, Named Officers Burnside, Tolonen
and Bradford are eligible to earn a bonus of 40% of their base salaries and
Officer Ricart is eligible to earn a bonus of 60% of his base salary. Mr.
Marengi will participate in the sales commission program where commissions are
paid quarterly based on the achievement of actual versus target worldwide
sales. At 100% of achievement of target, Mr. Marengi's commission is $175,000.
 
  As part of the employment agreement, Named Officers Marengi, Burnside and
Tolonen were each granted an option to purchase 80,000 shares of Common Stock
with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company's Common
Stock. Such shares vest over four years with 25% vested one year from award
date and thereafter 6.25% quarterly. Additionally, each Named Officer was
awarded a Restricted Stock Grant with a purchase price of $0.10 per share and
vesting of 25% one year from award date and the remaining 75% two years from
award date.
 
  In January 1996, Named Officers Marengi and Bradford each received an
increase of 9% of their base salary and Named Officers Burnside, Tolonen and
Bradford are now eligible to earn a bonus of 60%, 60% and 45%, respectively of
their base salary. Mr. Marengi's sales commissions increased to $225,000 at
100% achievement of worldwide sales target.
 
  In August 1996, Mr. Marengi's contract was amended when he assumed new
responsibilities and was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer. His
new minimum base salary is $600,000 and he is eligible to participate in the
incentive bonus plan at 60% of his base salary. He was granted non-statutory
stock options to purchase an additional 250,000 shares.
 
  In the event of termination without cause or constructive termination after
a change in control, Officer Marengi will receive 1.6 times his base annual
salary; Officers Burnside, Tolonen and Bradford will receive 1.4 times their
respective base annual salaries and Officer Ricart will receive 2 times his
base salary. In addition, in such event, all Named Officers will receive
accelerated vesting of an additional 12 months for unvested options. If said
termination should occur within the first year of a restricted stock vesting,
the Company will not exercise its repurchase right to 50% of the shares. If
said termination is within the second year of vesting, the Company will waive
all remaining repurchase rights.
 
  Change of control is defined in the contract as: (i) the Company sells or
otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of its assets, (ii) the Company
merges or consolidates with another company where the shareholders of Novell
immediately after the transaction do not hold 50% of the voting power of the
new entity or (iii) any person or entity including any "person" as defined by
Section 13(d)(3) of Securities Exchange Act as amended becomes the beneficial
owner of Common Stock of Novell represented by 50% or more of the combined
voting power (excluding any persons who are now officers of Novell).
 
  On March 18, 1997, the Company entered an employment contract with Dr. Eric
E. Schmidt whereby Dr. Schmidt would become Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board on April 7, 1997. During the interim period from March
18, 1997 until April 7, 1997, Dr. Schmidt would work on a part-time basis.
 
  Pursuant to the employment contract Dr. Schmidt's annual base salary is
$600,000 with a bonus payment on October 31, 1997, provided he is still
employed by the Company, of approximately $375,000. Starting in Fiscal 1998,
Dr. Schmidt shall participate in the incentive bonus plan, where, based upon
the accomplishment of certain performance goals, Dr. Schmidt is eligible to
earn a bonus of 100% of his base salary plus additional bonus compensation if
such goals are exceeded.
 
 
                                      14

 
  Upon entering into the employment contract Dr. Schmidt was granted, at fair
market value, a non-qualified stock option to purchase 2,750,000 shares of
Novell Common Stock. Said options vest 20% on the first year anniversary and
thereafter vest monthly over the next four years so as to be 100% vested five
years from the date of grant, conditioned upon employee's continued employment
or consulting relationship with Novell as of each vesting date. Dr. Schmidt
was also granted 900,000 shares of restricted stock at a purchase price of
$9,000. The shares shall vest annually, in accordance with the following
schedule: 30% on the first anniversary, 25% on the second anniversary, 20% on
the third anniversary, 15% on the fourth anniversary and 10% on the fifth
anniversary of the grant date, so as to be 100% vested five years following
the grant date, conditioned upon Employee's continued employment or consulting
relationship with Novell as of such vesting dates. Such restricted stock grant
was provided by Novell due in part to Dr. Schmidt's forfeiture of in-the-money
stock options held by him at his prior employment.
 
  If Novell terminates Dr. Schmidt other than for cause or if a constructive
termination should occur, he shall be entitled to receive the following: (i)
one times his annual base salary and target bonus in such amounts which exist
at time of termination; (ii) an amount equal to the cost of COBRA for one
year; (iii) accelerated vesting of one year for all stock options; (iv)
waiving of repurchase rights on any restricted stock.
 
  In the event of termination without cause due to change in control or
constructive termination within two months before or one year after change in
control, Dr. Schmidt will receive the following: (i) two times his annual base
salary and target bonus in such amounts which exist at time of termination;
(ii) an amount equal to the cost of COBRA for eighteen months; (iii)
accelerated vesting of one year for all stock options; (iv) waiving of
repurchase rights on restricted stock as to vesting of the greater of (a) the
number of shares that would have vested within one year after Dr. Schmidt's
terminate date, or (b) one-half of the number of shares not vested on his
termination date.
 
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
  The Novell, Inc. Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan, as amended
("Director Plan") is administered by a committee of the Board of Directors.
However, the time of grant, number of shares granted, exercise price and
vesting schedule are established by the terms of the Director Plan and are not
subject to the discretion of the committee or any person. Only non-employee
directors may participate in the Director Plan. The Director Plan, which was
originally adopted in 1989 and subsequently amended in 1992, was most recently
amended by the Board of Directors in January 1996 and approved by shareholders
on April 10, 1996.
 
 Under the Director Plan, all non-employee directors are automatically granted
an option to purchase 30,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock on the date
of their initial election or appointment to the Board of Directors ("Initial
Grant"). Prior to April 10, 1996, the Initial Grant covered 72,000 shares.
Current Non-employee Directors are automatically granted an option to purchase
15,000 shares annually on the date of the Annual Meeting ("Annual Grant"),
unless they hold an Initial Grant to purchase 72,000 shares granted within two
years prior to the Annual Grant. All options are non-statutory options
receiving no special tax benefit, have an exercise price equal to the fair
market value on date of grant and have a term of ten years. Initial Options
vest annually at the rate of 25 percent per year and Annual Options vest at
the rate of 50% per year. Upon a change in control, an option will become
exercisable in full by a non-employee Director if, within one year of such
change in control, the non-employee Director ceases for any reason to be a
member of the Board. Upon forced retirement at age 70, Director options become
fully vested and the Director has one year in which to exercise.
 
  Director Hector, upon appointment to the Board in December 1995, was
automatically granted an option to purchase 72,000 shares having an exercise
price of $14.875 per share pursuant to the Director Plan prior to the most
recent amendment. Directors Bond, Messman, Sonsini and Wilson were each
granted an Annual Grant on April 10, 1996 having an exercise price of $13.50
per share.
 
  On October 26, 1996, fiscal 1996 year end, options to purchase 596,000
shares of the Company's Common Stock under the Director Plan were outstanding
at a weighted average exercise price of $17.82 per share.
 
                                      15

 
                    REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE 
             OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE
 
  The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") is
composed of three non-employee directors: Mr. Young, Chairman, Ms. Bond and
Mr. Messman. No member of the Compensation Committee has a relationship that
would constitute an interlocking relationship with executive officers or
directors of another entity. From time to time, Mr. Marengi, President,
certain officers of the Company, outside consultants and Mr. Frankenberg, when
he was Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO"), attended meetings of the
Committee. No officer of the Company is present during discussions or
deliberations regarding his or her own compensation.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE
 
  Acting on behalf of the Board of Directors, the Committee's responsibilities
include the following:
 
  .  Establishing the general Company compensation philosophy for all
     employees including the CEO, President and other executive officers.
 
  .  Reviewing the performance of the CEO.
 
  .  Determining compensation levels and stock grants for the CEO and other
     executive officers.
 
  .  Administering the Company's Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan") by
     establishing Company performance objectives, approving target bonuses
     and actual bonus payments for the CEO and other executive officers.
 
  .  Administering the Company's employee stock option and stock purchase
     plans ("Stock Plans"), including determining eligibility, the number and
     type of options to be granted and the terms of such grants.
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION PROGRAM
 
  The Company's executive compensation program is designed to support the
achievement of Company performance objectives, to ensure that executive
officers' interests are aligned with the success of the Company and to provide
compensation opportunities that will attract, retain and motivate superior
executive personnel. Consistent with these objectives, the Committee believes
that the compensation of executive officers should be significantly influenced
by performance. Accordingly, 26% to 38% of the cash compensation of each
executive officer is contingent upon Company performance and adjusted as
appropriate for individual performance.
 
  The Company's compensation program for executive officers is structured to
be competitive within the high technology industry. The Company's Human
Resources Department, working with independent outside consulting firms, has
developed executive compensation data from nationally recognized surveys from
a group of comparable companies selected on the basis of similarity in revenue
level, industry segment and competitive employment market to the Company. Most
of the companies included in this group for the 1996 executive compensation
analysis are also included in the Nasdaq Computer and Data Processing Services
index used to compare the Company's stock price performance on the Performance
Graph on page 21.
 
  The Company's executive level positions, including the CEO, are matched to
comparable survey positions and competitive levels are determined for base
salary and target bonus incentives. The target incentive is the amount that
would be paid after the end of the fiscal year if the Company, and the
executive officer achieve the performance objectives established for the year.
Market practices with respect to stock option grants are also reviewed.
Factors considered in determining actual incentive bonus for each executive
officer include Company
 
                                      16

 
performance, individual performance, and the scope of executive officer's
responsibility. The relative weight given to such factors varies between
executive officers, based upon their respective responsibilities and capacity
to affect Company performance.
 
  Grants under the Company's Stock Plans are designed to further strengthen
the linkage between executive compensation and shareholder return, to provide
additional incentives to executive officers tied to growth of stock price over
time and encourage continued employment with the Company. Stock option grants
are based upon industry survey data and individual executive performance.
Stock options generally become exercisable over a four-year period and are
granted at a price that is equal to the fair market value of the Company's
stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock purchase grants, which allow an
officer to purchase shares at a nominal cost, are generally subject to a two-
year vesting schedule.
 
1996 EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
 
  In December 1995, the Committee reviewed industry survey data outlined
above, executive performance and the CEO's recommendations for the purpose of
determining base salary for 1996 for each executive officer (excluding the
CEO). The CEO recommended Company performance targets for revenue, expenses
and operating profit for fiscal 1996 to be used for the incentive compensation
plan. Stock option survey data, executive performance and current outstanding
stock options were reviewed. The Committee approved (i) individual executive
performance targets, (ii) base salary level to be effective January 7, 1996
(three of the Named Officers did not receive a base salary increase as their
current base salary fell within industry standards for similar corporate
positions), (iii) a target incentive based on achievement of recommended
targets for fiscal 1996, and (iv) a stock option grant for each executive
officer. The final 1996 target total cash compensation levels (base salary
plus target cash incentives) for the Named Officers (other than the CEO) fall
within the industry standards for comparable positions.
 
  The Committee also reviewed and approved the Novell Incentive Plan for
fiscal 1996, establishing the Company and Business Unit revenues, earnings and
operating profit objectives and individual performance targets to be used at
year end for incentive determination.
 
  In February 1996, the Committee reviewed a retention program presented by
management. The program requested that a stock option/restricted stock award
be granted to the Company's critically essential employees to encourage
retention. A stock option/restricted stock award program was used rather than
a cash program to further link management compensation to shareholder value.
The Committee approved the plan which included the granting of stock options
and restricted stock awards to the Named Officers (other than the CEO), all
executive officers and approximately 100 other key employees.
 
  In October 1996, the Committee reviewed industry survey data, current
executive compensation, Company and Business Unit performance and executive
performance against prior established objectives. The Committee felt that the
executive salaries remained within the range of industry standards for
comparable positions and that no base salary increases would be approved for
January 1997 for the Named Officers. It was further decided based on industry
survey data and individual executive performance that stock options were to be
granted based on average industry standards for similar positions weighted by
individual performance.
 
  In December 1996, the Committee reviewed total Company and Business Unit
performance that had been accomplished for fiscal 1996, following the process
and formula established in the Incentive Plan. The Incentive Plan has
incentive pay elements payable based on both total Company and Business Unit
performance, modified by individual performance. Due to the fact that the
Company performance for fiscal 1996 fell below the percentage required by the
Incentive Plan, no bonuses were paid to the Named Officers.
 
                                      17

 
1996 CEO COMPENSATION
 
  In December 1995, the Committee reviewed Mr. Frankenberg's individual
performance for the past year and comparable CEO industry survey data, as
outlined above, for the purpose of determining Mr. Frankenberg's base
compensation for fiscal 1996. The Committee established individual performance
objectives for Mr. Frankenberg for fiscal 1996 and approved an increase to his
base salary. In addition, the Committee reviewed the approved Company
performance objectives for revenue, expenses and operating profit for 1996
that would have to be accomplished prior to payment of an incentive bonus and
approved a target incentive bonus whereby approximately 50% of Mr.
Frankenberg's total compensation was dependent upon the Company achieving
established revenue, expenses and operating profit objectives. Mr.
Frankenberg's base salary is comparable to industry standards for his
position.
 
  Mr. Frankenberg resigned from the Company in August 1996. The Compensation
Committee, along with the other members of the Board of Directors including
the Corporate Governance Committee, reviewed various corporate structuring
alternatives and candidates to replace Mr. Frankenberg. After deliberation,
the Committee recommended that Mr. Marengi, then Executive Vice President of
Worldwide Sales, assume the responsibilities of President and Chief Operating
Officer, Mr. Young be appointed as Chairman of the Board and a search be
started immediately for a new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Marengi is
currently performing the duties of a Chief Executive Officer.
 
  Mr. Marengi's total current compensation was reviewed against comparable
industry standards for President and Chief Operating Officer and his increased
scope of responsibilities. Mr. Marengi's base salary was increased and
incentive targets were established (he had previously participated in the
sales commission program, not the Incentive Plan). See "Executive
Compensation--Employment Contract, Termination of Employment and Change in
Control Arrangements."
 
QUALIFYING COMPENSATION
 
  The Committee has considered the potential impact of Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code ("Section 162(m)") adopted under the Federal Revenue
Reconciliation Act of 1993. Section 162(m) disallows a tax deduction for any
publicly-held corporation for certain executive officers' compensation
exceeding $1 million per person in any taxable year unless it is "performance
based" within the meaning of Section 162(m). Since the cash compensation of
each of the Company's executive officers is below the $1 million threshold and
since the Committee believes that any options granted under the Company's
option plan will meet the requirement of being performance-based under the
provisions of Section 162(m), the Committee believes that Section 162(m) will
not reduce the tax deduction available to the Company. The Company's policy
is, to the extent reasonable, to qualify its executive officers' compensation
for deductibility under the applicable tax laws.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
John A. Young, Chairman
Elaine R. Bond
Jack L. Messman
 
                                      18

 
                   REPORT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
                           OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE
 
  The Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors ("Governance
Committee") was established in August of 1995. Currently, the Governance
Committee is composed of two non-employee directors namely: Mr. Wilson and Mr.
Sonsini. Mr. Wilson serves as chairman of the Governance Committee. Mr. Ashton
was a member of the Governance Committee until he resigned from the Board in
November of 1996. The Governance Committee also performs the duties of a
nominating committee.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE
 
  Acting on behalf of the Board of Directors, the Governance Committee's
responsibilities include the following:
 
  .  Overseeing the functioning of the Board to ensure the implementation of
     proper corporate governance policies and practices.
 
  .  Identifying and recommending nominees for election as directors.
 
  .  Establishing qualifications to serve on the Novell Board and on the
     Committees of the Board.
 
  .  Considering and implementing CEO secession policies and procedures.
 
  .  Reviewing and recommending the organization and size of the full board
     and the structure and size of the Board's committees.
 
  .  Recommending candidates for membership on Board Committees.
 
NOVELL BOARD GUIDELINES
 
  The Governance Committee, working in connection with the full Board, has
adopted a series of Novell guidelines on significant Corporate Governance
issues. Issues considered as a part of those guidelines include, but are not
limited to, the following:
 
  .  Frequency and length of committee meetings.
 
  .  Rotation of committee members.
 
  .  Selection of agenda items for Board meetings.
 
  .  Executive sessions of outside directors.
 
  .  Board access to senior management.
 
  .  Size of the Board.
 
  .  Mix of inside and independent Directors.
 
  .  Formal evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer.
 
  .  Assessment of Board's performance.
 
                                      19

 
  During the past year the Governance Committee reviewed and approved, among
other things, a Statement of Business Ethics to be distributed throughout the
Company. In addition, the Governance Committee recommended to the Board of
Directors that an executive committee of the Board of Directors be formed to
assist the CEO in times of urgent matters when it is not possible to assemble
the complete Board. Such a committee was formed in March of 1996 and typically
met on a biweekly basis from March to September of 1996. Finally, the
Governance Committee established a mandatory retirement age of 70 for Board
members.
 
  Respectfully submitted,
 
  Ian Wilson - Chairman
  Larry Sonsini.
 
                                      20

 
COMPARISON OF FIVE- AND TEN-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS
 
  The following two graphs compare the performance of the Company's common
stock with the performance of the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price
Index and a peer group index over the periods from, respectively, November 1,
1991 and November 1, 1986. The graphs assume that $100 was invested on,
respectively, November 1, 1991 and November 1, 1986 in the Company's common
stock, the S&P 500 Index and the peer group index, and that all dividends were
reinvested.
 
  The Company's peer group index is The Nasdaq Computer & Data Processing
Services Index, which is composed of all Nasdaq companies with an SIC Code of #
737. A list of the companies included in this index will be furnished by the
Company to any shareholder upon written request of the Corporate Secretary.
 
                               PERFORMANCE GRAPH
                COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
                  AMONG NOVELL, INC., S&P 500 AND NASDAQ C&DPS
 


                                            
                                            
                                       BASE     INDEXED/CUMULATIVE RETURNS    
                                      PERIOD ---------------------------------- 
         COMPANY/INDEX NAME            1991   1992   1993   1994   1995   1996
         ------------------           ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
                                                       
Novell, Inc..........................  100   143.53 101.18  81.76  70.00  47.06
S&P 500 Composite....................  100   109.95 126.39 131.27 165.98 205.97
Nasdaq Computer & Data Processing
Services.............................  100   116.67 130.38 156.90 239.48 277.74

 
PAST FIVE YEAR AVERAGE COMPOUNDED ANNUAL RETURN

                                                                     
   Novell, Inc......................................................... (13.99)%
   S&P 500 Composite...................................................  15.55 %
   Nasdaq Computer & Data Processing Services..........................  22.67 %

 
                                       21

 
                               PERFORMANCE GRAPH
                 COMPARISON OF TEN-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
                  AMONG NOVELL, INC., S&P 500 AND NASDAQ C&DPS
 


                                
                                
                          BASE                            INDEXED/CUMULATIVE RETURNS                           
                         PERIOD ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   COMPANY/INDEX NAME     1986   1987   1988   1989   1990    1991     1992     1993     1994     1995    1996
   ------------------    ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------
                                                                            
Novell, Inc.............  100   164.29 272.62 259.52 452.36 1,619.05 2,323.81 1,638.10 1,323.81 1,133.33 761.90
S&P 500.................  100   106.40 122.14 154.39 142.84   190.70   209.68   241.00   250.33   316.51 392.77
Nasdaq C&DPS............  100   110.01 118.39 159.29 141.27   315.72   368.34   411.63   495.36   756.08 876.68

 
PAST TEN YEAR AVERAGE COMPOUNDED ANNUAL RETURN
 

                                                                       
   Novell, Inc........................................................... 22.52%
   S&P 500 Composite..................................................... 14.66%
   Nasdaq Computer & Data Processing Services............................ 24.25%

 
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
  In April 1995, the Company provided Mr. Frankenberg with a loan of $122,400
to pay his tax withholding due to the vesting of his restricted stock shares.
The loan was due in April 1997 and was secured by shares of the Company's
Common Stock. In December of 1995, the loan was paid in full by Mr.
Frankenberg.
 
  In fiscal 1996, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, a
law firm in which Larry W. Sonsini, a director of the Company, is a senior
partner, performed legal services for the Company. The Company proposes to
continue to retain such law firm in fiscal 1997 for advice on legal matters.
 
  Thanksgiving Point, a limited liability company substantially owned by Alan
C. Ashton, Ph.D., a director of the Company until his resignation in November
of 1996, provides grounds maintenance services to the Company. The contract for
such services expired in October 1996. During fiscal 1996 the Company paid
$585,000 to Thanksgiving Point for these services.
 
                                       22

 
  Named Officer Burnside has two loans ($25,302.44 and $54,637.31) with the
Company for the payment of tax withholding due to vesting of restricted stock.
The loans are secured by shares of Company stock and have interest rates of
5.82% and 6.07% respectively. Each loan has a term of two years and is due on
October 17, 1997 and October 17, 1998, respectively. Both loans were
outstanding at fiscal 1996 year end.
 
  Named Officer Bradford has two loans ($26,194.63 and $55,716.19) with the
Company for the payment of tax withholding due to vesting of restricted stock.
The loans are secured by shares of Company stock and have interest rates of
5.82%, 6.07% respectively. Each loan has a term of two years and is due on
October 17, 1997 and October 17, 1998, respectively. Both loans were
outstanding at fiscal 1996 year end.
 
                     SECTION 16(a) REPORTING DELINQUENCIES
 
  The Company believes that all Forms 3, 4 and 5 required to be filed by its
directors, officers and 10% shareholders were filed on time during fiscal
1996, except for (i) Director Hector, whose Form 4 for the purchase of 5,000
shares was filed one week late and (ii) Mr. Frankenberg, whose Form 4 for the
purchase of 1,000 shares was filed two months late.
 
                           PROPOSALS OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
  Proposals that shareholders desire to have included in the Company's proxy
materials for the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company must be
received by the Secretary of the Company at its principal office (122 East
1700 South, Provo, UT 84606, Attention Corporate Secretary) no later than
October 23, 1997 in order to be considered for possible inclusion in such
proxy materials.
 
                            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
ANNUAL REPORT
 
  The Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended
October 26, 1996, including the consolidated financial statements and related
notes thereto, together with the report of the independent auditors and other
information with respect to the Company, accompanies this Proxy Statement.
 
AMENDED AND RESTATED RIGHTS AGREEMENT
 
  In December 1996, the Board of Directors adopted certain technical
amendments to its original Shareholder Rights Plan that was first adopted in
1988, including a change to the purchase price of each Right to reflect the
recent trading range of the Company's stock. As amended, each Right will
entitle the Company's shareholders to buy 1/1000th of a share of the Company's
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $65. The
amended Rights will become exercisable following the 10th day after any person
or group announces acquisition of 15% or more of the Company's Common Stock or
announces commencement of a tender offer the consummation of which would
result in ownership by the person or group of 15% or more of the Common Stock.
The amended Rights Plan is intended to ensure that the Company's shareholders
receive fair and equal treatment in the event of any proposed takeover of the
Company and to guard against partial tender offers and other abusive tactics
designed to gain control of the Company without paying all shareholders the
fair value of their shares, including a "control premium."
 
                                 OTHER MATTERS
 
  The Company is not aware of any other business to be presented at the Annual
Meeting. If matters other than those described herein should properly arise at
the meeting, the proxies will vote on such matters in accordance with their
best judgment.
 
                                      23

 
                        [MAP OF DIRECTIONS TO NOVELL]
 
                            DIRECTIONS TO NOVELL
 
                  FROM 680/280
                  Exit Capitol Ave. heading north. Left on
                  Trade Zone Blvd. Right on Lundy Ave.
                  Building 6 is first entrance on right.
                  (Direction signs will be posted)
 
                  FROM 880/17
                  Exit Montague Expwy. heading east. Right
                  on Trade Zone Blvd. Left on Lundy Ave.
                  Building 6 is first entrance on right.
                  (Direction signs will be posted)
 
                  FROM SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
                  Take 101 South to 880 North to Montague
                  Expwy. East. Right on Trade Zone Blvd.
                  Left on Lundy Ave. Building 6 is first
                  entrance on right. (Direction signs will
                  be posted)

 
PROXY

                                 NOVELL, INC.
                              122 EAST 1700 SOUTH
                                PROVO, UT 84606

          THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Joseph A. Marengi, James R. 
Tolonen and David R. Bradford, and each of them, his true and lawful agents and 
proxies with full power of substitution in each, to represent the undersigned 
at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Novell, Inc., to be held at the 
Company's California offices at 2275 Trade Zone Boulevard, San Jose, California 
95131 on Friday, May 2, 1997, at 2 p.m. local time and any adjournments thereof,
to vote as designated.

THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY
THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER.  IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED 
FOR ALL NOMINEES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, FOR APPROVAL AND RATIFICATION OF THE
ADOPTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE NOVELL, INC. 1989 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN, 
FOR RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS AND AS THE PROXY HOLDER MAY DETERMINE 
IN HIS DISCRETION WITH REGARD TO ANY OTHER MATTER PROPERLY BROUGHT BEFORE THE 
MEETING.

PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED 
ENVELOPE OR VOTE BY TOUCH TONE TELEPHONE, SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR INSTRUCTIONS.

                          (Continued on reverse side)

 
  THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, OR IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL
                         BE VOTED "FOR" THE PROPOSALS 
          THIS PROXY IS SELECTED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

 
 
                                                                                              
                                                                                                                        Finish mark
                                                                                                                      your votes as
                                                                                                                       indicated in
                                                                                                                       this example
                                                                                                                                [X]
                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                   Vote For  Vote Against  Abstain
1.  ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:                    2. APPROVE AND RATIFY the adoption of an                [_]        [_]         [_]  
                                                 amendment to the Novell, Inc. 1989 Employee                                     
                                                 Stock Purchase Plan to increase the shares reserved                             
                                                 thereunder from 8,000,000 to 120,000,000.                                         

                                            (INSTRUCTION:
                                            To withhold authority to
                                            vote for any individual
    Vote for                 Withhold       nominee, strike a line
all nominees listed          Authority      through the nominee's
 (except as marked)       to vote for all   name in the list below)

                                                                                                   Vote For  Vote Against  Abstain
     [_]                        [_]           3. RATIFICATION of Ernst & Young LLP as                 [_]        [_]         [_]  
                                                 Independent auditors.                                                             
                                                                                                                                  
NOMINEES:                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                   Vote For  Vote Against  Abstain
01  Eric E. Schmidt     02  Elaine R. Bond    4. IN THEIR DISCRETION to act upon such                 [_]        [_]         [_]  
                                                 other business as may properly come before        
03  Hans-Werner Hoctor  04  Jack L. Messman      the meeting or any adjustments thereof.           

05  Larry W. Sonsini    06  Ian R. Wilson 

07  John A. Young 

                                                                      Please sign exactly as name appears hereon.  When shares are
                                                                      held by joint tenants, both should sign.  When signing as
                                                                      attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please
                                                                      give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full
                                                                      corporate name by president or other authorized officer. If a
                                                                      partnership please sign in partnership name by authorized
                                                                      person.

                                                                      Dated: _____________________________________________, 1997

                                                                      __________________________________________________________
                                                                                     Signature of Shareholder(s)                   
                                                                      
                                                                      __________________________________________________________
                                                                                    Signature of Shareholder(s)
 

  *** IF YOU WISH TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE, PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW***

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                FOLD AND DETACH HERE AND READ THE REVERSE SIDE

                    HELP US SAVE MONEY - VOTE BY TELEPHONE

Your telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same
manner if you marked, signed an returned your proxy card.

     On a Touch Tone Telephone call TOLL FREE 1-888-457-2958 24 hours per day -7
     days a week.
     
     You will be asked to enter a Control Number.

   OPTION #1: To vote as the Board of Directors recommends on ALL proposals, 
              press 1 now.
              If you wish to vote on each proposal separately press 0 now.

WHEN YOU PRESS 1, YOUR VOTE WILL BE CONFIRMED AND CAST AS YOU DIRECTED. END OF 
CALL

   OPTION #2: If you choose to vote on each proposal separately press 0 now and 
              you will hear these instructions.

   Proposal 1: To vote FOR ALL nominees, press 1; to WITHHOLD FOR ALL nominees, 
               press 9;
  TO WITHHOLD FOR AN INDIVIDUAL nominee, press 0. If you press 0, enter the two 
  digit number that precedes the nominee(s) for whom you withhold your vote; 
  then press 0.

  Proposal 2: To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9; ABSTAIN, press 0.

  The instructions are the same for all remaining proposal(s), IF NO SELECTION 
  IS MADE, YOUR VOTES WILL BE CAST AS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS.

YOUR VOTE WILL BE CONFIRMED AND CAST AS YOU DIRECTED. END OF CALL.

   If you vote by telephone, there is no need to mail back your proxy card.
                             THANK YOU FOR VOTING