NOVELL INC
DEF 14A, 1996-02-15
COMPUTER INTEGRATED SYSTEMS DESIGN
Previous: DEFINED ASSET FUNDS MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FD PUT SER 8, 24F-2NT, 1996-02-15
Next: HUDSON RIVER TRUST, 497, 1996-02-15



<PAGE>
 

                           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]  $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), 14a-6(i)(2)
     or Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.

[_]  $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
     14a-6(i)(3).

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

   
     (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

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


     (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

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


     (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
         pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which
         the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

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

     (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

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


     (5) Total fee paid:

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

[_]  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
     
[_]  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
     Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
     was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
     number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
     
     (1) Amount Previously Paid:
 
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------


     (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

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


     (3) Filing Party:
      
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------


     (4) Date Filed:

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

Notes:




<PAGE>
 
 
                                  NOVELL, INC.
                           1555 NORTH TECHNOLOGY WAY
                                 OREM, UT 84057
                               February 16, 1996
 
 
Dear Shareholder:
 
  You are cordially invited to attend the Company's 1996 Annual Meeting on
Wednesday, April 10, 1996.
 
  At the meeting your management will review actions taken during 1995 to
reaffirm and deepen its commitment to network software, including the sale of
our UnixWare product line and personal productivity applications product line.
We believe the actions taken in fiscal 1995 and early 1996 have sharpened our
focus to drive market growth in an increasingly network-centered world.
 
  The meeting will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m., local time, in the Auditorium
at our Corporate Headquarters, 1555 North Technology Way, Orem, Utah. 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. Your cooperation will
be greatly appreciated.
 
  Your Board of Directors and management look forward to greeting personally
those shareholders who are able to attend.
 
                                          Sincerely,
 
                                          /s/ Robert J. Frankenberg 
                                          Robert J. Frankenberg
                                          Chairman, President and
                                          Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
 
 
                                  NOVELL, INC.
                           1555 NORTH TECHNOLOGY WAY
                                 OREM, UT 84057
 
                               ----------------
 
                    NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                      TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 1996
 
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF NOVELL, INC.:
 
  Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of NOVELL,
INC. will be held at the Novell Corporate Headquarters located at 1555 North
Technology Way, Orem, Utah 84057, on Wednesday, April 10, 1996, at 2:00 p.m.,
local time, for the following purposes:
 
    1. To elect eight directors;
 
    2. To approve and ratify the adoption of amendments to the Novell, Inc.
       Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, including an increase
       in the shares reserved for issuance thereunder from 800,000 to
       1,500,000 shares; and
 
    3. 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 February 12, 1996,
will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any
adjournments thereof.
 
 
                                          By Order of the Board of Directors,
 
                                          /s/ David R. Bradford
                                          Senior Vice President, General
                                           Counsel
                                          and Corporate Secretary
 
February 16, 1996
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 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.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>
 
                                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 1996 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of the Company (the "Annual Meeting") to be held at the
Novell Corporate Headquarters located at 1555 North Technology Way, Orem, Utah
84057, on Wednesday, April 10, 1996, at 2:00 p.m., local time, and any
adjournment thereof. The Company's telephone number is (801) 222-6000. These
proxy materials are being mailed on or about February 16, 1996, to all
shareholders of record as of February 12, 1996, of the Company's Common Stock.
At the Annual Meeting, the Company's shareholders will be asked to elect eight
directors, to approve and ratify the adoption of amendments to the Novell, Inc.
Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "Director Plan") and to vote
on such other matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
 
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 soliciting 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 February 12, 1996 (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, 365,773,278 shares of Common
Stock were outstanding and entitled to vote. Each outstanding share of Common
Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote. As of the Record Date, the
closing price of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market was $13.625 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 amendments to the Novell, Inc. Stock Option
Plan for Non-Employee Directors and as to any other matter that may be properly
brought before the Annual Meeting, in accordance with the judgment of the proxy
holders.
<PAGE>
 
SECURITIES OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
  The following table sets forth, as of January 31, 1996, 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, and by all directors and
executive officers as a group.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            COMMON STOCK(1)
                                                         ----------------------
                                                                    PERCENT OF
                                                         NUMBER OF  OUTSTANDING
                                                           SHARES     SHARES
                                                         ---------- -----------
      <S>                                                <C>        <C>
      Raymond J. Noorda(2).............................. 25,883,644    7.08%
       12950 Saratoga Avenue
       Suite B
       Saratoga, CA 95070
      Robert J. Frankenberg.............................    189,085       *
      Alan C. Ashton, Ph.D.(3).......................... 16,132,786    4.41
      Elaine R. Bond....................................     77,000       *
      Hans-Werner Hector................................          0       *
      Jack L. Messman(4)................................    709,000       *
      Larry W. Sonsini..................................     46,600       *
      Ian R. Wilson(5)..................................    104,000       *
      John A. Young.....................................     24,000       *
      Joseph A. Marengi.................................    114,840       *
      Mary M. Burnside..................................    187,959       *
      James R. Tolonen(6)...............................    226,907       *
      Richard W. King...................................    114,908       *
      All directors and executive officers as a group
       (17 persons)..................................... 18,302,491    4.99
</TABLE>
- --------
 *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 January 31,
    1996: Mr. Frankenberg 150,000, Ms. Bond 72,000, Mr. Messman 112,000, Mr.
    Sonsini 40,000, Mr. Wilson 96,000, Mr. Young 24,000, Mr. Marengi 96,600,
    Ms. Burnside 160,000, Mr. Tolonen 117,000, Mr. King 80,500, all directors
    and executive officers as a group 1,267,661.
 
(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) Of such shares, (i) 5,316,890 are held in a trust (of which Dr. Ashton is
    co-trustee and his wife is beneficial owner), (ii) 244,380 are held in
    custodianship for benefit of his minor children, as to which he disclaims
    beneficial ownership, and (iii) 235,504 are held by his adult children
    living at home, as to which shares he disclaims beneficial ownership.
 
(4) Includes 37,000 shares held by Mr. Messman as custodian for his minor
    children.
 
(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.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                  PROPOSAL ONE
 
                             ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
  A Board of eight 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.
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        NAME                       PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION            DIRECTOR SINCE AGE
        ----                       --------------------            -------------- ---
 <C>                      <S>                                      <C>            <C>
 Robert J. Frankenberg    Chairman of the Board, President and
                           Chief Executive Officer of the
                           Company(1)...........................       1994       48

 Alan C. Ashton           Retired, Co-founder of former
                           WordPerfect Corporation(2)...........       1994       53

 Elaine R. Bond           Retired Chase Fellow/Senior Consultant
                           of The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.(3).       1993       60

 Hans-Werner Hector       Co-founder, Member Advisory Board of
                            SAP AG, Germany(4)...................      1995       56

 Jack L. Messman          President and Chief Executive Officer
                           of Union Pacific Resources Group,
                           Inc.(5)..............................       1985       55

 Larry W. Sonsini         Member of the law firm of Wilson,
                           Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati,
                           Professional Corporation(6)..........       1988       54

 Ian R. Wilson            Managing Partner of Dartford
                           Partnership(7).......................       1989       66

 John A. Young            Retired President and Chief Executive
                           Officer of Hewlett-Packard
                           Company(8)...........................       1995       63
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Robert J. Frankenberg
 
  Chief Executive Officer, President and a Director of the Company since
  April 1994 and Chairman of the Board of Directors since August 1994. Mr.
  Frankenberg served as Vice President/General Manager, Personal Information
  Products Group of Hewlett-Packard Company (an international computation and
  measurement company) from April 1991 to April 1994. Mr. Frankenberg
  previously served as Vice President/General Manager, Information Networks
  and Cooperative Computing Groups of Hewlett-Packard Company from November
  1989 to April 1991. Mr. Frankenberg is also a director of Electroglas, Inc.
  and America Online.
 
(2) Alan C. Ashton, Ph.D.
 
  Co-founder of former WordPerfect Corporation (a software applications
  company) acquired by Novell on June 24, 1994. Dr. Ashton served as Co-
  Chairman of the WordPerfect Board of Directors from January 1, 1994 until
  June 24, 1994. Dr. Ashton served as President and Chief Executive Officer
  of WordPerfect Corporation from January 1, 1993 until December 31, 1993.
  Dr. Ashton also served as executive officer and a director of WordPerfect
  Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries for more than five years.
 
(3) 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 previously served as Senior Vice
  President and Senior Technology Officer for Chase Manhattan Bank from 1981
  to December 1991. Ms. Bond is also a director of Washington National
  Corporation.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
(4) Hans-Werner Hector
 
    Co-founder of SAP AG, Germany (an international provider of general purpose
    software). Member of Advisory Board of SAP AG since June 1995. 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.
 
(5) Jack L. Messman
 
    President and Chief Executive Officer of Union Pacific Resources Group,
    Inc. (an oil company) since March 1991. Mr. Messman previously served as
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of U.S.P.C.I., Inc. (a hazardous waste
    disposal company) from 1988 to March 1991. Mr. Messman is also a director
    of Cambridge Technology Partners, Inc., Tandy Corporation, Safeguard
    Scientific, Inc., CTP, Inc., U.S. Data, Inc., Union Pacific Resources
    Group, Inc. and Union Pacific Corporation.
 
(6) Larry W. Sonsini
 
    A Member of Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation (a
    law firm) for more than the last five years. Mr. Sonsini is also a director
    of Lattice Semiconductor Corporation, Pixar and Silicon Valley Group.
 
(7) 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.
 
(8) 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, Abiotic Systems and General Magic, 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 seven regular scheduled meetings, including a
two-day retreat meeting, and two telephone conference call meetings during the
fiscal year ended October 28, 1995.
 
  The Board of Directors has three committees. The Audit Committee is comprised
of Directors Messman as chairman, Bond 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 chairman, Ashton and
Sonsini. There is no Nominating Committee, but the Corporate Governance
Committee performs the function of a nominating committee.
 
  The Audit Committee met four times during fiscal 1995. 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.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors met four times during
fiscal 1995. 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 once during
fiscal 1995 when it was formed on August 16, 1995. 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, review 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 Corporation.
 
  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 eight nominees 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. Broker non-
votes will also be counted as present or represented for purposes of
determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of
business. Shareholders do not have the right to cumulate their votes in the
election of directors.
 
                                  PROPOSAL TWO
 
                 AMENDMENTS TO THE COMPANY'S STOCK OPTION PLAN
                           FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
 
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
 
  On January 12, 1996, the Board of Directors of the Company approved several
amendments to the Novell, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors,
including an increase in the shares reserved for issuance under the Director
Plan from 800,000 to 1,500,000 shares. At the 1996 Annual Meeting the
shareholders are being asked to ratify and approve such amendments to the
Director Plan. The Board of Directors believes that the adoption of the
amendments to the Director Plan will promote the interests of the Company and
its shareholders by attracting and retaining highly-qualified outside
Directors. In addition, the Board believes the adoption of the amendments will
help align Director interest with other shareholders. The principal changes in
the Director Plan that the shareholders are being asked to approve at the 1996
Annual Meeting may be summarized as set forth below.
 
DESCRIPTION OF DIRECTOR PLAN, AS AMENDED
 
  The Director Plan was originally adopted by the Board of Directors and
approved by shareholders in March 1989 and amended in 1992. The Director Plan
initially provided for the issuance of options to purchase up to 800,000 shares
(as adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock splits of 1990, 1991 and 1992) of
Common Stock.
 
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  On January 12, 1996, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the
following proposed amendments to the Director Plan. The following summary is
qualified in its entirety by the specific language of the actual Director Plan,
as amended. A copy of the amended Director Plan is attached as Exhibit A to
this proxy statement.
 
  The Director Plan provides the automatic grant of Non-Qualified Stock Options
(the "NQSOs"), which do not qualify for incentive stock option treatment under
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), to Non-Employee
Directors of the Company. As of the date of this Proxy, there are seven Non-
Employee Directors, all of whom are eligible to participate in the Director
Plan.
 
  CHANGE IN INITIAL GRANT--Under the Director Plan, as amended, each person who
becomes an outside Director on or after April 10, 1996 shall be automatically
granted an initial option to purchase 30,000 shares of Common Stock of the
Company, subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock split,
stock dividend, recapitalization or similar transaction (the "Initial Grant").
The grant date shall be the date the outside Director is first elected by
shareholders or the date appointed by the Board to fill a vacancy. The Initial
Grant shall have an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date
of grant and shall become exercisable at the rate of 25% on each succeeding
grant anniversary date. Prior to this amendment, each outside Director was
automatically granted an option to purchase 72,000 shares at the time first
elected by the shareholders or the date appointed by the Board to fill a
vacancy and such options vested over three years.
 
  NEW ANNUAL GRANT--At the time of election at each annual meeting of
shareholders (commencing with this Annual Meeting), each outside Director
(except as provided below) shall be granted an additional option to purchase
15,000 shares of Company Common Stock, subject to appropriate adjustment in the
event of any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization or similar
transaction (the "Annual Grant"). The grant date shall be the date of such
annual meeting and said option shall have an exercise price equal to the fair
market value on the date of grant and shall vest 50% per year on each
succeeding grant anniversary date. Directors holding a prior initial grant of
options to purchase 72,000 shares of Company Common Stock (the "Prior Options")
shall be ineligible for an Annual Grant unless such Prior Options were granted
at least two years previously. Directors holding an Initial Grant of options to
purchase 30,000 shares shall not be eligible for an Annual Grant if said
Initial Grant has been within the last nine months. Prior to this amendment,
the Director Plan had no provision for an Annual Grant.
 
  ACCELERATION OF VESTING ON RETIREMENT--At a time of retirement, defined in
the Director Plan as termination of service as a Director at or after age 70
(other than upon death or total and permanent disability), any unvested stock
option granted under the Director Plan shall vest and said Director shall have
one year from his or her retirement date in which to exercise the option. Prior
to this amendment, the Director Plan had no such accelerated vesting provision.
 
  EXERCISE OF OPTION--The term of each option granted under the Director Plan
is ten years from the date of the grant. Subject to the foregoing limitations,
in the event of a termination of the status of an optionee as a Director, each
option is exercisable to the extent such option was exercisable on the date of
termination of such status, by the optionee until six months (30 days for Prior
Options) after the termination of the optionee's status as a Director, except
as a result of disability, retirement or death. If an optionee's status as
Director of the Company is terminated as a result of a disability or death, an
optionee (or his estate) may exercise any outstanding option under the Director
Plan, to the extent such option was exercisable on the date of such event,
within 12 months (three months for Prior Options) of the date of such
termination.
 
  RESERVE INCREASE--The total number of shares of Common Stock available for
issuance under the Director Plan has been increased from 800,000 to 1,500,000.
 
  EXTENSION OF TERM OF DIRECTOR PLAN--The Director Plan shall terminate on
April 9, 2003. Prior to this amendment, the Director Plan was scheduled to
terminate in 1999.
 
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  Each Non-Employee Director option is evidenced by a written stock option
agreement. The Director Plan has been structured to comply with the
requirements for formula plans under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
  A Director-optionee will not recognize any taxable income at the time he or
she is granted a NQSO. However, upon exercise of an option, an optionee will
generally recognize ordinary income measured for tax purposes by the excess of
the then fair market value of the shares over the exercise price. If a sale of
shares acquired upon exercise of an option could subject the Director to suit
under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the date of recognition of such ordinary
income may be deferred for up to six months unless the Director timely files an
election with the Internal Revenue Service under Section 83(b) of the Code. The
optionee's holding period for long-term capital gain purposes commences as of
the date he or she recognizes ordinary income with respect to an option
exercise. Upon resale of such shares by the optionee any difference between the
sales price and the exercise price, to the extent not recognized as ordinary
income as provided above, will be treated as capital gain or loss, and will
qualify for long-term capital gain or loss treatment if the shares have been
held for more than one year. Currently, tax on net capital gain (net long-term
capital gain minus net short-term capital loss) is capped at 28%. Capital
losses are allowed in full against capital gains plus $3,000 of other income.
 
  The Company will be entitled to a tax deduction in the amount and at the time
that the Director recognizes ordinary income with respect to shares acquired
upon exercise of a NQSO.
 
PARTICIPATION IN THE DIRECTOR PLAN
 
  Participation in the Director Plan is automatic for all outside Directors of
the Company meeting the eligibility requirements for grants. No grants have
been made under the Director Plan since the amendments described above.
 
  As of December 31, 1995, options to purchase 624,000 shares have been
granted, options to purchase 88,000 shares have been exercised, options to
purchase 536,000 shares are currently outstanding and options to purchase
176,000 shares remain available for future grant.
 
  If the proposed amendments to the Director Plan are approved and the
Company's proposed slate of directors is elected at the Annual Meeting,
Directors Bond, Messman, Wilson and Sonsini will be granted an option to
purchase 15,000 shares of Company Common Stock.
 
AMENDMENTS TO THE DIRECTOR PLAN
 
  The Board of Directors may at any time amend, alter, suspend or discontinue
the Director Plan, but no such amendment, alteration, suspension or
discontinuation shall impair the rights of any holder of a previously granted
option without the consent of the optionee. In addition, the Company shall
obtain shareholder approval of any amendment to the Director Plan to the extent
necessary and desirable in order to maintain compliance with Rule 16b-3. The
provisions of the Director Plan that set forth the formula for and terms of
grants may not be amended more than once every six months, other than to
comport with changes in the Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended, or the rules thereunder.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
VOTE REQUIRED AND BOARD RECOMMENDATION
 
  Ratification and approval of the amendments to the Director Plan requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of the Company's
Common Stock represented and voting in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting
and "entitled to vote on the subject matter" (the "Votes Cast"). Votes that are
cast against the proposal are counted both for purposes of determining the
presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business and for
purposes of determining the total number of Votes Cast with respect to this
proposal.
 
  While there is no definitive statutory or case law in Delaware as to the
proper treatment of abstentions in the counting of votes with respect to a
proposal such as the approval of the amendment to the Director Plan, the
Company believes that abstentions should be counted for purposes of determining
both the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business and
the total number of Votes Cast on this proposal. In the absence of controlling
precedent to the contrary, the Company intends to treat abstentions on this
proposal in this manner. In a 1988 Delaware case, Berlin v. Emerald Partners,
the Delaware Supreme Court held that, 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
for which authorization to vote was withheld. Accordingly, broker non-votes
with respect to this proposal will not be considered as Votes Cast and,
accordingly, will not affect the outcome of voting on this proposal.
 
  The Board of Directors believes that the opportunity for directors to acquire
shares pursuant to the Director Plan will be important to attract and retain
qualified Directors essential to the success of the Company.
 
  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENTS
TO THE DIRECTOR PLAN.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                             EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
  The following Summary Compensation Table shows compensation paid by the
Company for services rendered during fiscal years 1995, 1994 and 1993 for the
Chief Executive Officer and the four most highly compensated executive officers
of the Company whose salary plus bonus exceeded $100,000 in 1995 (the "Named
Officers").
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
                                                               -----------------------
                                      ANNUAL
                                  COMPENSATION(1)                      AWARDS
                                  ---------------              -----------------------
                                                                            SECURITIES
                                                  OTHER ANNUAL  RESTRICTED  UNDERLYING  ALL OTHER
                                  SALARY   BONUS  COMPENSATION STOCK AWARDS  OPTIONS   COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION  YEAR   ($)   ($)(2)     ($)(3)       ($)(4)      (#)(5)      ($)(6)
- ---------------------------  ---- ------- ------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ------------
<S>                          <C>  <C>     <C>     <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
Robert J. Frankenberg(7).    1995 504,445 308,721       --           --          --       21,577
 Chief Executive Officer,    1994 288,462 225,000   321,141      612,288     600,000       1,731
 President and Chairman
 of the Board

Joseph A. Marengi........    1995 381,447 171,171       --           --          --       20,374
 Executive Vice President    1994 324,676 175,324       --       315,500      95,000       4,500
 Worldwide Sales             1993 178,400 171,660       --           --       40,000       4,497

Mary M. Burnside.........    1995 354,061 135,428       --           --          --       16,380
 Executive Vice President    1994 298,857 147,000       --       315,500      80,000       4,500
 and Chief Operating         1993 256,675  95,680       --           --       60,000       4,497
 Officer

James R. Tolonen.........    1995 360,600 137,929       --           --          --       16,317
 Executive Vice President    1994 295,509 147,000       --       315,500      80,000       4,500
 and Chief Financial         1993 238,014  88,320       --           --       60,000       4,497
 Officer

Richard W. King..........    1995 258,025  94,437       --           --          --       13,621
 Executive Vice President    1994 208,803  75,000       --       315,500      80,000       4,500
 NetWare Systems Group       1993 150,558  67,234       --           --       55,000       4,497
</TABLE>
- --------
(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.
 
(2) Cash bonuses for services rendered in fiscal years 1995, 1994 and 1993 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. See "Report of the Compensation
    Committee of the Board of Directors on Executive Compensation."
 
(3) Mr. Frankenberg received $190,500 to cover major 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.
 
(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. As of 1995 fiscal year end, Mr. Frankenberg had 18,250
    shares of unvested restricted stock with a value of $273,376. Named
    Officers Marengi, Burnside, Tolonen and King 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. As of 1995 fiscal
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
    year end, each Named Officer had 15,000 shares of unvested restricted stock
    with a value of $221,625. 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) No stock options were granted to Named Officers during fiscal 1995.
    However, Mr. Frankenberg and each other Named Officer were granted 300,000
    and 75,000 shares respectively, in December 1995 when their performance
    during fiscal 1995 was reviewed. The Novell option plans are administered
    by the Compensation 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. 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 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 payment upon exercise.
    The Company currently allows cash, cashier's check or cashless exercises.
 
(6) The stated amounts are Company matching contributions to the Novell, Inc.
    Retirement and Savings Plan and the Deferred Compensation Plan.
 
(7) Mr. Frankenberg joined the Company as Chief Executive Officer and President
    in April 1994 and was appointed Chairman of the Board in August 1994.
 
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.
 
  All new non-employee directors currently receive an automatic stock option
grant at fair market value under the Director Plan to purchase 72,000 shares of
common stock. During fiscal 1995, Director Young received an option to purchase
72,000 shares of Company Common Stock with an exercise price of $18.50 per
share. Subsequent to fiscal 1995, Director Hans-Werner Hector received an
option to purchase 72,000 shares of Company Common Stock with an exercise price
of $14.875 per share, when he was first appointed to the Board. Options vest
over three years. Following ratification and approval of Proposal Two--
"Amendments to the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors" at
the Annual Meeting, each non-employee Director who joins the Board will
automatically receive options to purchase 30,000 shares vesting over four
years. Each current non-employee Director will receive an Annual Grant of
options to purchase 15,000 shares vesting 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--
Stock Option Plan Non-Employee Directors" and Proposal Two, "Amendments to the
Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors."
 
  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 on participating
directors. Upon the death of a participating director, the Company will 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
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
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 payments 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.
 
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 1995 and the number and value of options held at fiscal year end
for the Named Officers are set forth in the following table.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       NUMBER OF SECURITIES      VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                      UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED     IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
                                                       OPTIONS AT FY-END(#)         AT FY-END(1)($)
                                                     ------------------------- -------------------------
                           SHARES
                         ACQUIRED ON  VALUE REALIZED
NAME                     EXERCISE (#)     ($)(2)     EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ----                     -----------  -------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S>                      <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
Robert J. Frankenberg...        0               0      150,000      450,000            0          0

Joseph A. Marengi.......   10,200        $143,944       91,600      101,000            0          0

Mary M. Burnside........        0               0      147,500      112,500     $352,500          0

James R. Tolonen........        0               0      106,000      102,000     $235,000          0

Richard W. King.........   48,000        $691,875       71,500       95,500            0          0
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Value of unexercised options is (i) the fair market value of the Company's
    Common Stock at fiscal 1995 year end ($14.875 per share) less the option
    exercise price per share of in-the-money options, times (ii) the number of
    shares subject to such options.
 
(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.
 
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT, TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE IN CONTROL
ARRANGEMENTS
 
  All Named Officers of Novell are currently under employment contracts.
 
  Novell entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Frankenberg on April 4,
1994. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Frankenberg (i) will receive a minimum
annual base salary of $500,000 (such salary to be reviewed annually), (ii) will
participate in the incentive bonus program and be eligible to earn an annual
bonus of up to 80% of base salary based upon the accomplishment of certain
performance goals, (iii) was granted an option to purchase 600,000 shares of
Novell Common Stock on April 5, 1994 at an exercise price of $16.875 (the fair
market value on such date), (iv) was awarded a restricted stock grant for
36,500 shares of Common Stock, (v) was provided with a relocation package to
cover out-of-pocket expenses, grossed-up for the tax on such amounts, and (vi)
was provided with an apartment in California.
 
  In the event of Mr. Frankenberg's involuntary termination other than for
cause before April 4, 1996 or involuntary termination at any time within 12
months after a change in control other than for cause or constructive
termination, he will receive a severance payment equal to two years of current
base salary and two years of incentive bonus. In the event of involuntary
termination other than for cause at any time after April 4, 1996, he shall be
entitled to a severance payment equal to two years of current base salary.
 
  Upon a change of control prior to April 4, 1996, 50% of Mr. Frankenberg's
unvested stock options and remaining unvested restricted stock shall become
exercisable and vested. Upon involuntary termination other than for cause or
constructive termination within 12 months after a change of control, all
unvested stock options and restricted stock shall become exercisable and
vested.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
  In the event that any payments received by Mr. Frankenberg would be subject
to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, the Company will pay an
additional gross-up amount for any excise tax and federal, state and local
income taxes, such that the net amount retained by Mr. Frankenberg would be
equal to the net payments after income taxes, had the excise tax and resulting
gross-up not been imposed.
 
  Novell entered into employment contracts with Named Officers Marengi,
Burnside, Tolonen and King at fiscal 1994 year end. The term of the contracts
is two years with an automatic renewal for 18 months, unless terminated by
either party. Base salary is to be reviewed annually and is at least the amount
set forth: Marengi, $333,333; Burnside, $350,000; Tolonen, $350,000; and King,
$250,000. All Named Officers will participate in the incentive bonus program.
Based upon the accomplishment of certain performance goals, Named Officers
Marengi, Burnside, Tolonen and King are eligible to earn a bonus of 50%, 40%,
40%, and 40%, respectively, of their base salaries.
 
  As part of the employment agreement, each Named Officer was 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 the event of termination without cause or constructive termination after a
change of control, Officer Marengi will receive 1.5 times his base annual
salary and Officers Burnside, Tolonen and King will receive 1.4 times their
respective base annual salaries. 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 second year of the
restricted stock vesting, all remaining unvested restricted stock shares shall
become immediately vested.
 
  If any payment or benefit to be received by the Named Officers upon a change
in control would result in the payment being subject to excise tax (under
Section 4999 of the Code), the payment that the Named Officer would receive
will either be (i) the full payment or (ii) such lesser amount that would not
result in any portion of the payment being subject to excise tax, whichever
results in the receipt by the Named Officer of the greatest amount of the
payment (on an after-tax basis).
 
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
  The 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.
 
  Under the Director Plan, all non-employee directors are automatically granted
an option to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock on the date of their
initial election or appointment to the Board of Directors. For a more complete
description of the terms of the Director Plan, see "Proposal Two--Amendment to
the Company's Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors."
 
  On October 28, 1995, fiscal 1995 year end, options to purchase 536,000 shares
of the Company's Common Stock under the Director Plan were outstanding at a
weighted average exercise price of $18.44 per share.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
                      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. Mr. Wilson was a member of the Committee and served as the
Committee's chairman until April 1995, at which time Mr. Young joined the
Committee and was appointed chairman. From time to time, Mr. Frankenberg, Chief
Executive Officer (the "CEO"), certain officers of the Company and outside
consultants may attend 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 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 44% of the cash compensation of each
executive officer is contingent upon Company and Business Unit 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 1995 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 16.
 
  The Company's executive level positions, including the CEO's, 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, the respective
Business Unit 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 performance, Business Unit 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 Business
Unit and Company performance.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
  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 performance. Stock options generally become exercisable over a
four-year period 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 subject to a two-
year vesting schedule where between 25% to 50% becomes vested one year from
grant date and the remaining percentage two years from grant date.
 
1995 EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
 
  The Committee met in October 1994 to review current market data based on the
increased size and complexity of the Company and increased span of
responsibility levels for each executive officer and the CEO and to review and
approve base pay, incentive pay and performance targets for 1995. Stock option
grants were also awarded at this time. The committee also decided that
executive officers should enter into employment contracts beginning in fiscal
1995 to assure continuity of management. (See "Executive Compensation--
Employment Contract, Termination of Employment and Change in Control
Arrangements" for a discussion of the terms of these contracts.)
 
  The Committee met in August 1995 to review current comparable industry
compensation and stock option information, and to review progress against
Corporate, Business Unit and individual performance objectives.
 
  In December 1995, the Committee reviewed the Company, Business Unit and
individual performance that had been accomplished for fiscal 1995, following
the process and formula outlined in the Incentive Plan. The Incentive Plan has
incentive pay elements payable based on both Business Unit and on total Company
performance, modified by individual performance. Individual Business Units
reflected a wide range of achievement against objectives. Individual
performance evaluations of each executive officer for fiscal 1995 were made by
the CEO and reviewed with the Committee. The Committee then reviewed and
approved 1995 incentive payments, determined by applying a percentage to each
executive officer's target bonus based upon actual total Company, Business
Unit, and individual performance compared with objectives.
 
  Also in December 1995, the Committee reviewed the CEO's recommendations,
responsibility levels and survey data outlined above for the purpose of
determining base and target incentive compensation for fiscal 1996 for each
executive officer (excluding the CEO). The CEO recommended the Company and the
individual Business Unit performance targets for revenue, expenses, and
operating profit for fiscal 1996. Individual performance targets were set after
considering such factors as the specific organizational or Business Unit
responsibilities of each executive officer. The Committee approved a base
salary level to be effective January 7, 1996, a target incentive based on
achievement of recommended targets for fiscal 1996, and a stock option grant
for each Novell 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, including the Company and Business Unit revenue, earnings and operating
profit objectives and individual performance targets to be used for incentive
determination.
 
1995 CEO COMPENSATION
 
  Mr. Frankenberg's base salary and target incentive compensation, stock option
grant, restricted stock grant and relocation package were determined when he
joined the Company on April 4, 1994, after review of industry comparable
compensation for CEO's, reference to Mr. Frankenberg's previous compensation
package at Hewlett-Packard Company and negotiations with Mr. Frankenberg. Mr.
Frankenberg's actual
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
1995 incentive compensation was determined using criteria described above for
executive officers. Mr. Frankenberg did not receive a base salary increase for
fiscal 1995.
 
  In December 1995, the Committee reviewed and approved a 1995 incentive award
for Mr. Frankenberg derived by applying a percentage to the target bonus based
on actual total Company, Business Unit and individual performance compared with
objectives.
 
  Also in December 1995, the Committee reviewed Mr. Frankenberg's individual
performance and comparable survey data, as outlined above, for the purpose of
determining base compensation and target incentive compensation for fiscal
1996. The Committee also reviewed and approved Corporate performance targets
for revenue, expenses and operating profit for 1996. Mr. Frankenberg's base
salary is positioned comparable to industry standards for his position.
 
QUALIFYING COMPENSATION
 
  The Committee has considered the potential impact of Section 162(m) (the
"Section") of the Internal Revenue Code adopted under the Federal Revenue
Reconciliation Act of 1993. The Section disallows a tax deduction for any
publicly-held corporation for an individual's compensation exceeding $1 million
in any taxable year unless it is performance based within the meaning of the
Section. 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 the Section, the
Committee believes that the Section 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 (since April 1995)
    Elaine R. Bond
    Jack L. Messman
    Ian R. Wilson (Until April 1995)
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                               PERFORMANCE GRAPH
                COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
                  AMONG NOVELL, INC., S&P 500 AND NASDAQ C&DPS
 
                                [PASTE-UP GRAPH]
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       BASE      INDEXED/CUMULATIVE RETURNS
                                      PERIOD ----------------------------------
         COMPANY/INDEX NAME            1990          1992   1993   1994   1995
         ------------------           ------  1991  ------ ------ ------ ------
<S>                                   <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Novell, Inc..........................  100   418.22 492.97 347.50 299.01 266.69
S&P 500 Composite....................  100   133.50 146.79 168.72 175.25 221.58
NASDAQ Computer & Data Processing
 Services............................  100   218.84 255.32 285.35 344.04 525.33
</TABLE>
 
  The NASDAQ Computer & Data Processing Services Index 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.
 
PAST FIVE YEAR AVERAGE COMPOUNDED ANNUAL RETURN
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                    <C>
   Novell, Inc........................................................... 21.67%
   S&P 500 Composite..................................................... 17.25%
   NASDAQ Computer & Data Processing Services............................ 39.34%
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
  Thanksgiving Point, a limited liability company substantially owned by Alan
C. Ashton, Ph.D., a director of the Company, provides grounds maintenance
services to the Company. The contract for such services expires in October
1996. During fiscal 1995 the Company paid $533,000 to Thanksgiving Point for
these services.
 
  In fiscal 1995, 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 1996 for advice on legal matters.
 
  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.
 
                              INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  The Board of Directors has approved a resolution retaining Ernst & Young LLP
as its independent auditors for fiscal 1996. Ernst & Young LLP has audited the
Company's financial statements since 1987. A representative of Ernst & Young
LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity at the
meeting to make a statement if he desires to do so and will be available to
respond to appropriate questions.
 
                     SECTION 16(A) REPORTING DELINQUENCIES
 
  The Company believes that all Forms 3, 4 and 5 were filed on time during
fiscal 1995.
 
                           PROPOSALS OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
  Proposals that shareholders desire to have included in the Company's proxy
materials for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company must be
received by the Secretary of the Company at its principal office (1555 North
Technology Way, Orem, Utah 84057) no later than October 19, 1996 in order to be
considered for possible inclusion in such proxy materials.
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  The Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October
28, 1995, 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.
 
                                 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.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT A
 
                                  NOVELL, INC.
 
                             STOCK OPTION PLAN FOR
                             NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
 
                         (AS AMENDED JANUARY 12, 1996)
 
  1. Purpose of the Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to promote the interests
of the Company and its shareholders by attracting and retaining highly-
qualified Outside Directors (as defined herein) with an investment interest in
the future success of the Company.
 
  All options granted hereunder shall be nonstatutory stock options.
 
  2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:
 
    (a) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
    (b) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
    (c) "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.
 
    (d) "Company" means Novell, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
 
    (e) "Director" means a member of the Board.
 
    (f) "Employee" means any person, including officers and Directors,
  employed by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company. The payment of a
  Director's fee by the Company shall not be sufficient in and of itself to
  constitute "employment" by the Company.
 
    (g) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
    (h) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock
  determined as follows:
 
      (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange
    or a national market system, including without limitation the NASDAQ
    National Market or The NASDAQ SmallCap Market of The NASDAQ Stock
    Market, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such
    stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such
    exchange or system for the last market trading day prior to the time of
    determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other
    source as the Administrator deems reliable;
 
      (ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
    securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market
    Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid
    and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the date immediately
    preceding the date of determination, as reported in The Wall Street
    Journal or such other source as the Board deems reliable, or;
 
      (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock,
    the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by the
    Board.
 
    (i) "Inside Director" means a Director who is an Employee.
 
    (j) "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
 
    (k) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option.
 
    (l) "Optionee" means a Director who holds an Option.
 
    (m) "Outside Director" means a Director who is not an Employee.
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
    (n) "Plan" means this Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as
  amended January 12, 1996.
 
    (o) "Prior Option" means an Option that is outstanding on April 10, 1996,
  but excluding Option grants that are effective as of that date.
 
    (p) "Retirement" means termination of an Optionee's status as a Director
  at or after age seventy (70) other than upon the Optionee's death or total
  and permanent disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code).
 
    (q) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance
  with Section 10 of the Plan.
 
    (r) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now or
  hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Internal Revenue
  Code of 1986.
 
  3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 10 of the
Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 1,500,000 Shares of Common Stock (the "Pool"). The Shares may
be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.
 
  If an Option expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised
in full, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become
available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has
terminated). Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan shall not be
returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution
under the Plan.
 
  4. Administration and Grants of Options under the Plan.
 
  (a) Procedure for Grants. The provisions set forth in this Section 4(a) shall
not be amended more than once every six months, other than to comport with
changes in the Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, or the rules thereunder. All grants of Options to Outside Directors
under this Plan shall be automatic and nondiscretionary and shall be made
strictly in accordance with the following provisions:
 
    (i) No person shall have any discretion to select which Outside Directors
  shall be granted Options or to determine the number of Shares to be covered
  by Options granted to Outside Directors.
 
    (ii) Each person who first becomes an Outside Director on or after April
  10, 1996 shall be automatically granted an option to purchase 30,000
  Shares, as adjusted in accordance with Section 10 (the "Initial Option"),
  on the date such person first becomes an Outside Director, whether through
  election by the shareholders of the Company or appointment by the Board to
  fill a vacancy; provided, however, that an Inside Director who ceases to be
  an Inside Director but who remains a Director shall not receive an Initial
  Option.
 
    (iii) Effective with the annual meeting of the Company's shareholders on
  April 10, 1996 and on the date of each subsequent annual meeting of the
  Company's shareholders during the term of this Plan, each Outside Director
  shall be automatically granted an Option to purchase 15,000 Shares (an
  "Annual Option") provided he or she is then an Outside Director; provided,
  however, that (A) no Annual Option shall be granted to an Outside Director
  who received an Initial Option in the preceding nine months; and (B) an
  Outside Director with a Prior Option to purchase 72,000 Shares shall be
  ineligible to receive an Annual Option pursuant to this subsection (iii)
  unless such Prior Option was granted at least two years prior to the
  applicable Annual Option grant date.
 
    (iv) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option grants described in
  subsections (ii) and (iii) hereof shall be subject to and conditioned upon
  shareholder approval of the Plan amendments adopted by the Board in January
  1996.
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
    (v) The terms of an Initial Option granted hereunder shall be as follows:
 
      (A) the term of the Initial Option shall be ten (10) years.
 
      (B) the Initial Option shall be exercisable only while the Outside
    Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set forth in
    Sections 8 and 10 hereof.
 
      (C) the exercise price per Share shall equal the Fair Market Value
    per Share determined as of the date of grant of the Initial Option.
 
      (D) subject to Sections 8(d) and 10 hereof, the Initial Option shall
    become exercisable as to twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares
    subject to the Initial Option on each anniversary of its date of grant,
    provided that the Optionee continues to serve as a Director on such
    dates.
 
    (vi) The terms of the Annual Option granted hereunder shall be as
  follows:
 
      (A) the term of the Annual Option shall be ten (10) years.
 
      (B) the Annual Option shall be exercisable only while the Outside
    Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set forth in
    Sections 8 and 10 hereof.
 
      (C) the exercise price per Share shall equal the Fair Market Value
    per Share determined as of the date of grant of the Annual Option.
 
      (D) subject to Sections 8(d) and 10 hereof, the Annual Option shall
    become exercisable as to fifty percent (50%) of the Shares subject to
    the Annual Option on each anniversary of its date of grant, provided
    that the Optionee continues to serve as a Director on such dates.
 
    (vii) In the event that any Option granted under the Plan would cause the
  number of Shares subject to outstanding Options plus the number of Shares
  previously purchased under Options to exceed the Pool, then the remaining
  Shares available for Option grant shall be granted under Options to the
  Outside Directors on a pro rata basis. No further grants shall be made
  until such time, if any, as additional Shares become available for grant
  under the Plan through action of the Board or the shareholders to increase
  the number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan or through
  cancellation or expiration of Options previously granted hereunder.
 
  (b) Prior Options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to Section 10
hereof, Prior Options shall become exercisable in three (3) equal installments
of a whole number of Shares on the first, second and third anniversaries of the
date of grant of such Prior Options, provided that the Optionee continues to
serve as a Director on such dates.
 
  5. Eligibility. Options may be granted only to Outside Directors. All Options
shall be automatically granted in accordance with the terms set forth in
Section 4 hereof.
 
  The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to
continuation of service as a Director or nomination to serve as a Director, nor
shall it interfere in any way with any rights which the Director or the Company
may have to terminate the Director's relationship with the Company at any time.
 
  6. Term of Plan. The Plan was adopted by the Board and approved by the
shareholders of the Company in 1989. In 1992, the Plan was amended by the Board
which amendments were approved by shareholders of the Company on March 5, 1992.
Subject to shareholder approval of the Plan amendments adopted by the Board in
January 1996, the term of the Plan shall terminate on April 9, 2003, unless
sooner terminated under Section 11 of the Plan.
 
  7. Form of Consideration. The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be
issued upon exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall
consist of (i) cash, (ii) check, (iii) other shares which (x) in the case of
Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Optionee for
more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market
Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the
Shares as to which said Option shall be exercised, (iv) delivery of a properly
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
executed exercise notice together with such other documentation as the Company
and the broker, if applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the
Option and delivery to the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay
the exercise price, or (v) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.
 
  8. Exercise of Option.
 
  (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option granted
hereunder shall be exercisable at such times as are set forth in Section 4
hereof.
 
  An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
 
  An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written notice of such
exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the terms of the
Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and full payment for the
Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised has been received by the
Company. Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment
allowable under Section 7 of the Plan. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing such Shares, no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
A share certificate for the number of Shares so acquired shall be issued to the
Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option. No adjustment
shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior
to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 10
of the Plan.
 
  Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease in the number
of Shares which thereafter may be available, both for purposes of the Plan and
for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is
exercised.
 
  (b) Rule 16b-3. Options granted to Outside Directors must comply with the
applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any
successor thereto and shall contain such additional conditions or restrictions
as may be required thereunder to qualify Plan transactions, and other
transactions by Outside Directors that otherwise could be matched with Plan
transactions, for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
 
  (c) Termination of Continuous Status as a Director. Subject to Section 10
hereof, in the event an Optionee's status as a Director terminates (other than
upon the Optionee's Retirement as provided in Section 8(d) below or upon the
Optionee's death or total and permanent disability (as defined in Section
22(e)(3) of the Code)), the Optionee may exercise his or her Option, but only
within six (6) months (thirty (30) days in the case of a Prior Option)
following the date of such termination, and only to the extent that the
Optionee was entitled to exercise it on the date of such termination (but in no
event later than the expiration of its ten (10) year term). To the extent that
the Optionee was not entitled to exercise an Option on the date of such
termination, and to the extent that the Optionee does not exercise such Option
(to the extent otherwise so entitled) within the time specified herein, the
Option shall terminate.
 
  (d) Retirement of Optionee. In the Optionee's status as a Director terminates
as a result of Retirement, the Optionee's Options (excluding any Prior Options)
shall become fully exercisable, including as to Shares for which the Options
would not otherwise be exercisable. Such Options shall remain exercisable for a
period of twelve (12) months following the date of such termination (but in no
event later than the expiration of its ten (10) year term. To the extent that
the Optionee does not exercise any such Option within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate.
 
  (e) Disability of Optionee. In the event Optionee's status as a Director
terminates as a result of total and permanent disability (as defined in Section
22(e)(3) of the Code), the Optionee may exercise his or her Option, but only
within twelve (12) months (ninety (90) days in the case of a Prior Option)
following the date of such termination, and only to the extent that the
Optionee was entitled to exercise it on the date of such
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
termination (but in no event later than the expiration of its ten (10) year
term). To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to exercise an Option
on the date of termination, or if he or she does not exercise such Option (to
the extent otherwise so entitled) within the time specified herein, the Option
shall terminate.
 
  (f) Death of Optionee. In the event of an Optionee's death, the Optionee's
estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or
inheritance may exercise the Option, but only within twelve (12) months (ninety
(90) days in the case of a Prior Option) following the date of death, and only
to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it on the date of
death (but in no event later than the expiration of its ten (10) year term). To
the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to exercise an Option on the date
of death, and to the extent that the Optionee's estate or a person who acquired
the right to exercise such Option does not exercise such Option (to the extent
otherwise so entitled) within the time specified herein, the Option shall
terminate.
 
  9. Non-Transferability of Options. The Option may not be sold, pledged,
assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by
will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the
lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.
 
  10. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or Asset
Sale.
 
  (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the
shareholders of the Company, the number of Shares covered by each outstanding
Option, the number of Shares which have been authorized for issuance under the
Plan but as to which no Options have yet been granted or which have been
returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option, as well as
the price per Share covered by each such outstanding Option, and the number of
Shares issuable pursuant to the automatic grant provisions of Section 4 hereof
shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of
issued Shares resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock
dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other
increase or decrease in the number of issued Shares effected without receipt of
consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been
"effected without receipt of consideration." Except as expressly provided
herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or
securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no
adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price
of Shares subject to an Option.
 
  (b) Changes in Control. In the event of a change in control (hereinafter
defined) of the Company, an Optionee's Options will become exercisable in full
if, within one year of such change in control, such Optionee ceases for any
reason to be a Director. A change in control will be deemed to have occurred if
(i) there is consummated (X) any consolidation or merger of the Company in
which the Company is not the continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to
which Shares are converted into cash, securities or other property, other than
a merger of the Company in which the holders of Shares immediately prior to the
merger have the same proportionate ownership of Common Stock of the surviving
corporation immediately after the merger, or (Y) any sale, lease, exchange or
other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all,
or substantially all, of the assets of the Company; or (ii) the shareholders of
the Company approve any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of
the Company; or (iii) any person (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and
14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act")) becomes the
beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act) of, or
commences a tender offer for, 30% or more of the outstanding Shares. Any
exercise of an Option permitted in the event of a change of control must be
made within thirty (30) days of the related Optionee's termination as a
Director.
 
  (c) Company Reorganizations. In the event that the Company is to be dissolved
or liquidated, or the Company is a party to a merger or consolidation with
another corporation in which the Company will not be the surviving entity or in
which the outstanding Shares will be converted into cash, securities or other
property, or in the event that the Company is a party to a reorganization, then
upon exercise of the Options,
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
the holder thereof shall be entitled only to receive for the exercise price per
share thereof the amount of cash, securities or other property into or for
which one Share was converted or exchanged multiplied by the number of Shares
subject to such Option.
 
  11. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
 
  (a) Amendment and Termination. Except as set forth in Section 4, the Board
may at any time amend, alter, suspend, or discontinue the Plan, but no
amendment, alteration, suspension, or discontinuation shall be made which would
impair the rights of any Optionee under any grant theretofore made, without his
or her consent. In addition, to the extent necessary and desirable to comply
with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act (or any other applicable law or
regulation), the Company shall obtain shareholder approval of any Plan
amendment in such a manner and to such a degree as required.
 
  (b) Effect of Amendment or Termination. Any such amendment or termination of
the Plan shall not affect Options already granted and such Options shall remain
in full force and effect as if this Plan had not been amended or terminated.
 
  12. Time of Granting Options. The date of grant of an Option shall, for all
purposes, be the date determined in accordance with Section 4 hereof.
 
  13. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares shall not be issued pursuant
to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the
issuance and delivery of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all
relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, state securities laws, and the requirements of any stock exchange
upon which the Shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the
approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.
 
  As a condition to the exercise of an Option, the Company may require the
person exercising such Option to represent and warrant at the time of any such
exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without
any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares, if, in the opinion of
counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of the
aforementioned relevant provisions of law.
 
  Inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having
jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to be
necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall
relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell
such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.
 
  14. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at
all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
 
  15. Option Agreement. Options shall be evidenced by written option agreements
in such form as the Board shall approve.
 
  16. Shareholder Approval. The Plan was originally adopted by the Board and
approved by the Company's shareholders in 1989. In 1992, the Plan was amended
by the Board which amendments were approved by shareholders of the Company on
March 5, 1992. The Plan was most recently amended by the Board in January 1996,
subject to shareholder approval of such amendments at the April 10, 1996
meeting of shareholders. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained in the
degree and manner required under applicable state and federal law.
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
                          DIRECTIONS TO NOVELL
 
     From the Salt Lake Airport follow the signs that direct you to
     Provo. You will first travel on I-80 East which will take you
     to I-125 East. Then you will travel along I-215 towards Provo
     and exit on the South I-15 Exit. You will drive approximately
     30 miles on I-15, taking the Lindon Exit which is Exit 276.
     Turn left or east onto 1600 North in Orem. Continue straight,
     this takes you through a street light (State Street), about
     1/2 mile from the light on the right hand side of the road is
     Novell, Inc.
 
     Annual Meeting held in auditorium, Building J.
 
                     [LOGO OF RECYCLED PAPER APPEARS HERE]

<PAGE>
 
                                 NOVELL, INC.
                           1555 North Technology Way
                                Orem, UT  84057

          THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Robert J. Frankenberg, 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 Corporate
Headquarters, 1555 North Technology Way, Orem, Utah on Wednesday, April 10,
1996, at 2 p.m. local time and at any adjournments thereof, and to vote all 
shares of Novell, Inc. Common Stock held by the undersigned.

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 AMENDMENTS TO THE NOVELL, INC. STOCK OPTION PLAN FOR NON-EMPLOYEE
DIRECTORS, 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

                          (Continued on reverse side)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.  ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:
    Vote For            Withhold       (INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO  
all nominees listed    Authority                     VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL   
(except as marked)   to vote for all                 NOMINEE, STRIKE A LINE    
                                                     THROUGH THE NOMINEE'S NAME 
                                                     IN THE LIST BELOW)        
                                       Nominees: Robert J. Frankenberg, Alan C.
                                       Ashton, Elaine R. Bond, Hans-Werner
                                       Hector, Jack L. Messman, Larry W.
                                       Sonsini, Ian R. Wilson, and John A. Young

2.  APPROVE AND RATIFY the adoption of amendments to the Novell, Inc. Stock
    Option Plan for Non-employee Directors, including an increase in the shares
    reserved for issuance thereunder from 800,000 to 1,500,000 shares.

    Vote For                        Vote Against                       Abstain

3.  IN THEIR DISCRETION to act upon such other business as may properly come
    before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.

    Authorization granted:             Authorization withheld

                                       Dated:                         1996
                                             -------------------------

                                       -----------------------------------
                                            Signature of Shareholder(s)       

                                       -----------------------------------
                                            Signature of Shareholder(s)        
 
                                       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.




© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission