NetWare 5 Frequently Asked Questions

Novell

1998

Q1. WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES OF NETWARE® 5?

A1. With NetWare 5, Novell® has enhanced every aspect of the world's leading network. This includes significant enhancements in the area of network and desktop management, Internet/intranet services, application development and deployment, and core services such as file, print and security.

• WAN Traffic Manager to act as an intelligent supervisor of data going out onto wide area network (WAN) links, so you have greater control over the movement of NDS™ (Novell Directory Services® ) data over WANs.
• Catalog Services, which provide easier and faster access to NDS data and enable users to perform contextless logins.
• Domain Name Service (DNS)/Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) utility integrated with NDS for easy IP address management.
• Z.E.N.works™ (Zero Effort Networking for users) Starter Pack, the Zero Effort Networking tool suite for the desktop. Z.E.N.works manages workstations and distributes applications remotely while minimizing user issues and administrative hassles.
• Netscape FastTrack* Server, the robust, easy-to- use Web server for establishing a Web presence and deploying intranet solutions, with tight NDS integration.
• Java* development platform (the first in the industry) for easy and seamless development and deployment of Java-based applications.
• Five-user version of Oracle8*.
• Memory protection, virtual memory and a new kernel for improved application execution and reliability.
• Next-generation storage system, Novell Storage Services™, which eliminates file system limitations and dramatically improves reliability, scalability and performance.
• Novell Distributed Print Services™(NDPS™), the revolutionary new print services that provide bidirectional, intelligent printing.
• I 2 O and Hot Plug PCI support. For a complete and comprehensive list of NetWare 5 features, go to http://www.novell.com/netware5/fab.html

Q2. CAN I STILL RUN IPX WITH NETWARE 5?

A2. Absolutely. NetWare 5 supports IPX and IP, as well as both protocols simultaneously. You can retain your existing application and routing investments, and use them for as long as it makes sense to do so. The choice is the yours—as it should be. The NetWare 5 Compatibility Mode supports IPX-based applications on a pure IP network to help you transition to pure IP without migrating your applications. The NetWare 5 Migration Agent allows pure IP and IPX segments to communicate seamlessly. As a result, you can have both environments where it makes sense. It also helps simplify the migration process and lets you make the move on your own terms and schedule.

Q3. HOW LONG WILL NOVELL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT IPX?

A3. Novell plans to support IPX for at least the next hundred years.

Q4. WHAT IS THE MAJOR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NETWARE 4 AND NETWARE 5?

A4. NetWare 4 provides a solid foundation on which to build best-of-breed networks. NDS first appeared in NetWare 4 and paved the way for easy and powerful global network management by providing a platform-independent, centralized management and administration system. The intraNetWare release of NetWare 4 provided the standards-based tools for implementing powerful company-wide intranets.

NetWare 5 builds on these advances by providing functionality that better unites corporate networks with the Internet from one secure, high-performing, and fully manageable business network. NetWare 5 offers a pure IP solution, one that it doesn't retain an IPX-based encapsulation (or, in the case of Windows NT Server, a NetBIOS encapsulation). NetWare 5 will continue to support IPX just as it has in previous versions. The choice of which protocol to use is up to you. NetWare 5 also offers an easy and seamless migration from IPX to IP (for those who choose IP) and continuous support for mixed-protocol environments. NetWare 5 features a robust and scalable platform for developing and deploying distributed network applications. In all, NetWare 5 offers many other features and major enhancements in the areas of management, file system, printing services, Web services, security and the operating system kernel itself.

For a complete listing of the new features in NetWare 5, go to http://www.novell.com/netware5/fab.html.

Q5. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NETWARE 5.0 AND WINDOWS NT 5.0?

A5. It is difficult to compare Novell's product with Windows NT 5, which is still in early beta stages and is so far out in the future that specifications and features keep changing. The release date is still unknown. Based on current information, however, we can make several observations:

NetWare was developed from the ground up and is optimized to run networks. As such, NetWare 5 can reliably run and manage scalable networking services for small companies that need basic networking all the way up to enterprises with global networking needs.

NT is a desktop operating system that has been stretched into an application server. It lacks the networking capabilities needed for today's networks, including:

• A platform-independent directory service for managing everything on your global network from a centralized location.
• A reliable and scalable file/storage system to handle the growing and strategic demands of today's file services.
• A fast, reliable and intelligent printing service.
• The security features needed for a secure network. (It does provide a secure desktop operating system.)
• A pure IP network that delivers the efficiency needed to take advantage today's and tomorrow's Internet promises.

Microsoft understands this and is trying desperately to get NT 5 out the door with Active Directory and a more robust, reliable, high-performing and scalable set of services around file, print and security. However, because it was designed as a desktop operating system and not as a network, re-engineering is a monumental task. A June 24, 1998 Wall Street Journal article reported that NT 5 is up to 40 million lines of code. NetWare and Unix are approximately 10 million lines of code. Based on this we do not expect to see NT 5 any time soon, nor do we expect to see a re-engineered desktop operating system deliver what NetWare can deliver at its core competency, networking.

In addition, we do not expect customers to wait for the networking services they need, and we do not expect them to rip-and-replace their existing infrastructure to implement unproven networking services when they can get the network of the future today with NetWare 5.

The following is a more detailed analysis of the differences we see between NetWare 5 and NT 5:

Microsoft is porting more and more functionality to the kernel to give NT the scalability it reQuires. However, we expect that Active Directory code deployed at the kernel level will significantly increase the instability of an already freQuently rebooted platform.

It is still unclear how reliable and scalable Active Directory will be in its first release, or if its synchronization methodology will work properly. What we do know is that Active Directory will be an NT-only solution and will provide backward compatibility with NT domains, limiting its functionality in such areas as inherited rights. As a result, the administrative advantage of rights management by exception will not be available, and rights granted to the company won't automatically apply to all departments without granting those rights at each domain.

Microsoft is combining its multiple management utilities into one customizable console similar in function to NetWare 5 ConsoleOne. Although Microsoft is expected to include its ZAK technology in NT 5, it doesn't provide the desktop management that makes networked PCs much easier to use (and PC users much more productive). Novell's Z.E.N.works software, in addition to improving desktop management greatly and freeing the end user to make the most of the PC and network, also extends and enhances ZAK technology. It is, however, more advanced than what we see in ZAK and it is available today.

Through its new clustering technology, Microsoft will begin to offer failsafe rollover in NT 5 that is similar to what NetWare has offered for years with SFT™ III. However, first reviews indicate that the performance is significantly lower than what Novell has been providing.

When NT 5 becomes a more tangible product, we will provide a more detailed comparison. For the latest competitive information on NetWare 5 versus NT 4 or NT 5, please refer to Novell Advantage at: http://www.novell.com/advantage/platform.html or the competitive section of the NetWare 5 web page at http://www.novell.com.netware5/.

A6. Yes. In fact, NT is not even close. According to the latest IDC numbers (June 1998), NetWare market share (38 percent) is more than double that of Windows NT Server (16 percent). IDC projects more than 1.1 million NetWare server sales in 1998—an almost 20 percent increase over 1997.

Q7. WHAT IS THE WEB SERVER FOR NETWARE 5?

A7. The Netscape FastTrack Server for Novell NetWare comes with both NetWare4 and NetWare 5 … and it's free. The FastTrack Server does not include management utilities for document version control global searches. Those capabilities are available in the Netscape Enterprise Server for NetWare, which is an optional upgrade to the FastTrack Server and available from both Novell and Netscape resellers for $1,295.

Q8. WHAT ARE THE NEW TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION ON NETWARE 5?

A8. The following options can be used for existing certified NetWare engineers (CNEs) to upgrade their skills to NetWare 5 CNE status. Although either option can be used, recommendations are listed for those currently certified.

Option 1—Recommended for NetWare 4 and intraNetWare CNEs: Pass the test for 529 NetWare 4.11 to NetWare 5 update (test 50-638).

Option 2—Recommended for Classic, NetWare 3 and GroupWise CNEs: Pass the test for 570 NetWare 5 advanced Administration (test 50-640).

Visit the Novell Training and Services site at http://services.novell.com/ for details.

Q9. IS NETWARE 5 YEAR 2000 READY?

A9. Absolutely. NetWare 4 and NetWare 3.2 are Year 2000 ready as well. For more details check out the Year 2000 Web site at http://www.novell.com/year2000/.

Q10. DOES NETWARE 5 SUPPORT CLUSTERING?

A10. Yes. NetWare 5 is the ideal platform for a clustering solution. The advanced capabilities of the NetWare 5 file system (Novell Storage Services), the integrated directory service and the fact that NetWare maintains the NetWare heritage of being designed as a networking platform all make it the ideal platform on which to implement a clustering solution. To find out more about Novell's clustering solution, go to: http://www.novell.com/products/clusters/.

Q11. WHICH THIRD-PARTY COMPANIES ARE DEVELOPING TO NETWARE 5?

A11. Novell currently has hundreds of applications running on NetWare 4. All of these applications will run on NetWare 5 in Compatibility Mode. Novell is actively working with independent software vendors (ISVs) to ensure broad application support for NetWare 5. For the latest list of certified applications that run on NetWare 5 go to: http://developer.novell.com/netware5/index.htm

Q12. WILL THERE BE AN UPGRADE PATH FROM NETWARE 3 TO NETWARE 5?

A12. Yes. Novell will offer an upgrade path that will include upgrade tools and competitive pricing to encourage the upgrade. The tools included will allow customers to choose whether to keep the same hardware or upgrade it at the same time they move to NetWare 5. Either way, Novell will offer a direct path to NetWare 5.

For more information on upgrade tools check out the Rexxware web site or the NetWare 5 upgrade site at: http://www.novell.com/netware5/upgrade/.

Q13. HOW WILL NETWARE 5 EASE DEVELOPMENT AND STRENGTHEN APPLICATION DEPLOYMENT?

A13. Novell has enhanced the application and development support in NetWare 5 in many significant ways. At the kernel level, Novell has added memory protection, virtual memory and an enhanced debugger. Novell has also included application preemption, as well as the ability to let the administrator set execution prioritization—application by application if desired. The company is working with key ISVs to ensure that application resources needing kernel-level performance, such as Web servers and database engines, are available. The majority of applications, especially Web-based ones, will be developed in Java using all of the rich tools and application programming interfaces (APIs) available throughout the industry on that platform. Thus, there are really two levels to develop to NetWare5. Both have distinct purposes and popular tools to work with NetWare 5, and both offer a fast and reliable platform on which to run.

Additionally, NetWare 5 ships with and supports Oracle8, the Common Object ReQuest Broker architecture (CORBA) ORB, VBScript*-compatible NetBasic* interpreter, JavaBeans* for NetWare, JavaScript* and Perl 5. For a complete overview see the Application Strategy Brief on the NetWare 5 web site at: http://www.novell.com/netware5.

Q14. IS NOVELL CONTINUING TO SUPPORT NLM (NETWARE LOADABLE MODULE) DEVELOPMENT?

A14. Absolutely. We have strengthened that structure and focused our partnering efforts to include key partners with key applications that need kernel-level performance. All other ISVs can now leverage both Java and those key kernel-level services that provide needed scalability in writing true Web-based, cross-platform applications. For a complete overview on NetWare 5 application support see the Application Strategy Brief on the NetWare 5 web site at: http://www.novell.com/netware5.

Q15. WHAT IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE NETWARE INSTALL?

A15. The new graphical user interface (GUI) install is the first of Novell's common install features that streamline the installation process and create a consistent look, feel and flow. It will bring the cross-platform power of Java and the simplicity of a GUI to the installation process.

Q16. WHAT NEW ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DESKTOP MANAGEMENT?

A16. Z.E.N.works is a revolutionary desktop administration kit available for NetWare 5. This suite of tools extends far beyond the functionality of Microsoft's Zero Administration Kit, and provides functionality for secure remote workstation administration including application management, software distribution, software installation, desktop management and maintenance, and remote diagnostics and repair. It uses the power of NDS to deliver superior management and control of desktops. And, of course, it shipped the first half of 1998 and is available now. Check out the details at: http://www.novell.com/products/nds/zenworks.

Q17. ARE THE MULTI-PROTOCOL ROUTER AND NETWARE CONNECT INCLUDED WITH NETWARE 5?

A17. Yes, and in both cases with unlimited ports.

Q18. WHERE CAN I FIND THE LATEST NETWARE 5 COLLATERAL/LITERATURE OR PRODUCT PRESENTATIONS?

A18. Several items are on the NetWare 5 web site at http://www.novell.com/netware5, including:

• Product Brochure targeted at the CIO audience.
• Product Flyer targeted at the technical manager.
• Competitive Brief targeted at the technical manager.
• Competitive Brief from the Aberdeen Group analyst house.
• Feature Overview targeted at the technical audience.
• Overview Strategy Brief targeted at the technical manager. This eight-page overview introduces the new NetWare 5 features.
• Management Strategy Brief targeted at the technical manager. This eight-page overview describes the management enhancements in NetWare 5.
• Internet Strategy Brief targeted at the technical manager. This eight-page overview presents the new Internet features in NetWare 5.
• Application Strategy Brief targeted at the technical manager. This eight-page overview describes the new application support features in NetWare 5.
• Reliability, Scalability, Performance and Security Strategy Brief. This eight-page overview explains the new core services in NetWare 5.

• Product feature/benefits presentation targeted at the technical manager.
• NetWare 5 marketing presentation targeted at the channel sales representative or business audience.

Q20. WHAT CLIENTS DOES NETWARE 5 SUPPORT?

A20. NetWare 5 supports clients based on NetWare 3 and NetWare 4 as long as the NetWare 5 segment that these older clients are connected to is running IPX. The current IP-only clients are Win 95/98 and Windows NT. Prosoft Engineering, Inc., a Novell development partner, is building an IP-only client for the Apple Macintosh desktop and plans to make it available in 1999. Unix workstations are supported through the Novell NFS v2.4 product for NetWare 5.

Q21. WHAT APPLICATIONS RUN ON NETWARE 5?

A21. NetWare 5 has had a tremendous response from the developer community, with more than 25,000 developers enrolled in the NetWare 5 DeveloperNet program prior to first customer ship. The enthusiasm is due in large part to the new application support in NetWare 5, which includes a new multiprocessing kernel, a five-user version of Oracle8 and a rich and fast Java development and execution environment. For an overview of the next-generation application support in NetWare 5 see the Application Strategy Brief on the NetWare 5 web site at www.novell.com/netware5. For a complete list of all applications—including all Java applications available on NetWare 5, go to http://developer.novell.com/netware5/index.htm

Q22. WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM AND RECOMMENDED HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS FOR NETWARE 5?

A22. The technical specifications for NetWare 5 are:

Servers
• Most PCI, ISA, EISA, and Micro Channel* architecture computers can be used.
• Minimum recommended memory is 64 MB RAM
• Minimum reQuired hard-disk space is 500 MB plus 50 MB for a DOS partition
• CD-ROM Drive (optional if using a network install)
• Server Network Adapter

  Workstations

• Most PCI, ISA, EISA, and Micro Channel architecture computers can be used. Also, Apple* Macintosh* and UNIX systems from such vendors as Hewlett Packard*, IBM*, NFS*, SCO*, and Sun* can be used.
• Client 32 v.xx or larger for pure IP support
• Minimum recommended processing power is 80386 processor or higher
• Network Adapter

A23. The IP/IPX Gateway is now included with BorderManager and is not included in NetWare 5.

Q24. WHAT IS THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN NOVELL AND ORACLE REGARDING SALES AND SUPPORT OF ORACLE8?

A24. NetWare 5 includes a five-user version of Oracle8 with the base server license. Additional sales and support of Oracle8 is provided through Oracle. The Oracle8 CD provides full details.

Q25. WHICH VERSION OF ORACLE8 IS INCLUDED WITH NETWARE 5?

A25. The Oracle license included in NetWare is a five-user Workgroup Edition. Customers may exchange it for a one-user license of the Enterprise Edition. Comprehensive instructions and a phone number are provided on the Oracle CD for upgrades and additional licenses. Novell will begin doing first-line support for the bundle (basic installation). Support beyond that will be handled by Oracle in the same way it always has.

Q26. WHAT DOES THE NETWARE MANAGEMENT AGENT (NMA) IN NETWARE 5 PROVIDE?

A26. The NMA consists of several functionalities provided through SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), including:

1. Real-time information about the server hardware and network operating system, including the CPU, memory, volumes, disks, connections, disk space usage per user, print Queues, open files, network interfaces and protocols.
2. More than 650 types of alarms triggered by an event or a threshold.
3. Trends with historical data about tractable information such as CPU utilization, number of connections, volume space and other information.

   We are providing real-time statistics (level 1) through SNMP, so they can be read by ManageWise or any other SNMP console. Levels 2 (alarms) and 3 (trends) are provided only by ManageWise or the standalone NMA.

A27. The latest pricing information is available at: http://www.novell.com/catalog/pl/pl14102.html.

Q28. IN A PURE IP ENVIRONMENT, NETWARE 5 WILL USE SERVICE LOCATION PROTOCOL (SLP). WHAT WILL THAT PROVIDE?

A28. SLP is a naming and discovery service for IP and has similar functionality to Service Advertising Protocol (SAP) for IPX. SLP is based on IP (the SLP updates are sent via IP packets) and does not reQuire multicast but will take advantage of multicast if it is available. You can still do host files or DNS/DHCP as a method of discovery. Further more per the RFC 2165, you can implement an optional directory agent and using DHCP inform option, allow your DHCP server to let the client know where the agent resides. In this scenario you do not need IP multicast.

Q29. IF YOU RUN THE NETWARE 5 SERVER IN COMPATIBILITY MODE, WHAT SORT OF LOAD DOES THIS PUT ON THE SERVER?

A29. We are seeing a minimal performance hit on NetWare 5 servers with Compatibility Mode enabled. The actual overhead is directly associated with the amount of work generated from applications with IPX dependencies. If there are no applications that are specifically written to the IPX stack, Compatibility Mode has no overhead.

For More Information

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