Schmidt revels in new role

The question was front and center last week at BrainShare: What's up with Eric?

Eric Schmidt, who is stepping aside as Novell CEO to assume the role of chief strategist, told Network World he is "relieved and excited" to return to technology and development. "I'm glad to be able to let [CEO-designate Jack Messman] handle the day-to-day money matters and shareholders," he says.

Schmidt talked animatedly about directories, authentication and user personalization at a press conference after his BrainShare keynote address. "Now I can talk about these things without having to make a business case for it. That's Jack's job."

Schmidt says he initiated acquisition talks with Cambridge Technology Partners some nine months ago after McKinsey & Associates and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter recommended the consulting company as a fix for Novell's financial problems and flagging sales. He says it was his suggestion that Messman take the role of CEO.

Rumors are swirling on Schmidt's future with the company, including that he might return to Sun, where he served as CTO.

He says he plans to relax by working with technology.

Users give Novell a to-do list
A number of Novell customers say they attended last week's BrainShare conference primarily to take stock of the company's evolving e-business strategy and incoming CEO.
More BrainShare news:
Novell boosts storage and management offerings
Novell storage aimed at users on the go
Kearns: Pondering Novell's future
Forum: Changes at Novell