Novell said it had named board member John Young, a past president and CEO of Hewlett-Packard Co, as chairman.
Joseph Marengi, formerly executive vice- president of worldwide sales, was named president.
Novell said it had begun a search for a new CEO.
Young was president and CEO of Hewlett-Packard for 15 years through 1992. He joined Novell's board in January 1995.
Frankenberg joined Novell as president and CEO in April 1994 and was named chairman in August of that year.
Novell gave no reason for his resignation.