Virtually unlimited scalability and integration with Windows is
keeping Netware on top, says Nick Langley
What is it?
Until the rise of Microsoft NT, Novell's Netware was the most
widely used PC Lan file and print technology. For the past couple
of years Novell has pursued a strategy of targeting the weaknesses
in NT with products like its directory and the Novell Firewall for
NT, so that NT users will have good reason to continue to use
Netware for networking.
Where did it originate?
In Provo, Utah, in 1983. Novell introduced the first IT supplier
skills certification programme in 1985.
What's it for?
For building Lans and intranets which integrate seamlessly with
the Internet. The current release, Netware 5.1, has been optimised
for e-business and the Web. Novell has also pioneered
network-enabling consumer appliances.
What makes it special?
As a dedicated network operating system and utility supplier,
Novell has been able to maintain a considerable lead over Windows
NT. NDS (Novell Directory Services) provides a prime example,
especially when compared with the much more limited, space-hungry
Microsoft Active Directory.
Now at NDS 8, the third generation of a seven-year-old product,
it offers virtually unlimited scalability (up to one billion
objects) making it suitable not just for corporate users but also
for ISPs and application service providers with huge numbers of
customers.
NDS is available for Netware, Windows NT and Solaris, and will
shortly also be released for Linux and Windows 2000.
How difficult is it?
With a knowledge of PC and network fundamentals, it is possible
to train as a Netware administrator in about a week. However, a
knowledge of NT and Netware and how they work together is a premium
skill. Another hot skill is Netware 4 to 5 migration. Migration and
Netware for NT professionals courses are available from Novell
authorised education centres.
Where is it used?
Netware is fairly pervasive worldwide. Some sites moved from
Netware 4 to NT rather than Netware 5, but Novell claims many of
them are returning to the fold, having found NT wanting. One of
Netware's strongholds in the UK is the public sector.
Not to be confused with
Knitwear, although the ability to find your way around a Fair
Isle knitting pattern may be helpful when administering complex
networks.
What does it run on?
Having successfully surrounded Windows NT, Novell is expanding
its portfolio to include Solaris and Linux in platform-independent
versions of its products.
Few people know that
If the company succeeds in Internet-enabling kitchen appliances,
we may see the return of Novell cuisine. Big plates, small
portions.
What's coming up?
Netware 5.1 began shipping in January 2000. And Novell promises
close integration with Windows 2000 when it appears, including
integration of Microsoft's Active Directory with NDS.