In a move that could signal the start of a new spirit of cooperation between Microsoft and the open-source software movement, the US software giant has agreed to a wide-ranging pact with Linux reseller Novell Inc.

Under the pact Microsoft will offer sales support for Suse Linux, a version of the operating system sold by Novell, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The two companies will also jointly develop technologies to make it easier for users to run both Suse Linux and Microsoft's Windows on their computers. Microsoft further agreed not assert its patent rights over software technology that may be incorporated into Suse Linux.

The pact comes after years in which Microsoft has aggressively battled Linux, a programme which some experts believe could eventually challenge the operating system monopoly of Windows.