UPDATE 1-Citrix, Novell partner as 'cloud' rivalry heats up

NEW YORK Feb 18 (Reuters) - Business software makers Citrix Systems Inc (CTXS.O) and Novell Inc NOVL.O announced a pact in "cloud computing" and virtualization, technologies that allow a single computer to function as multiple machines and help users cut costs.

The announcement on Thursday comes amid growing competition in virtualization. Top players include Oracle Corp (ORCL.O), Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) and VMware Inc (VMW.N). Oracle has bought virtualization software maker Virtual Iron as well as Sun Microsystems Inc.

Citrix and Novell said they would offer interoperability between each other's products and provide joint technical support to customers. (Reporting by Ritsuko Ando; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)