QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

EXHIBIT 32.2

SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION BY THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

        I, Joseph S. Tibbetts, Jr., Chief Financial Officer of Novell, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby certify that, to my knowledge:

(1)

The Company's periodic report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 31, 2004 (the "Form 10-Q") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and



(2)

The information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

* * *

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

/s/  JOSEPH S. TIBBETTS, JR. Joseph S. Tibbetts, Jr.

Date: September 14, 2004

QuickLinks

SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION BY THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER