Novell is expected to launch its latest NetWare networking
operating system at next week's NetWorld+Interop show in
Atlanta.
The new release eliminates the need for organisations to install
remote servers by providing file and print access over the
Internet.
Currently available as a free upgrade for NetWare 5.1, the
technology, dubbed iFolder, uses the Internet HyperText Transfer
Protocol to provide access to files directly from a Web browser.
The print technology has similarly been designed to provide local
printing for users in a branch office without the need for a print
server to be physically attached to the branch network.
Speaking to CW360, Novell product manager Brian Green said the
iFolder technology could be used to synchronise data between any
number of PCs across the Internet. "It is a bit like roaming
desktops but users can work unconnected," he said.
The software is based on a similar concept to the data
synchronisation applications of notebooks and PDAs and allows users
to copy documents between a central server and a remote PC or
laptop.
The software has the potential to reduce costs, particularly for
organisations with branch office networks, but some experts think
the viability of NetWare as a long-term IT strategy is in
doubt.
In a paper aimed at small and medium-sized business users published
earlier this year, Gartner analyst Thomas Bittman noted that while
"the number of NetWare certified professionals is large, fewer new
NetWare skills are being developed".
Another issue affecting potential users is support. Bittman said
that while Novell's support was good, "third-party service
providers are shrinking rapidly".