The NetWare Advantage

Novell

May 2000

Executive Summary

Both Novell and Microsoft provide software that run networks. Customers need to know the essential differences between NetWare 5.1 and Windows NT Server or Windows 2000 in order to make critical decisions regarding their increasingly business-dependent networks. Novell fundamentally believes that the best operating system to run those mission critical networks is one that was designed from the ground up, to run networks - not a general purpose operating system that was designed to run desktops. While there is a place in networks for general purpose application servers, operating systems that are specifically designed to run networks are focused on delivering the highest levels of manageability and networking services without any conflicting priorities.

Summary

Customers must choose networking software based on their needs, both present and future, and compare the capabilities of existing products and the vendor's capabilities to deliver future enhancements. Novell's networking roots have produced a mature directory service and the best networking software to meet today's increasing network demands.

Microsoft is focused on desktop operating systems, productivity suites, consumer software, encyclopedias, on-line news services, mice and joysticks, and various other computing paraphernalia - but not focused on networking. Novell is focused on networks and delivering the networking services required for both today's and tomorrow's networking needs. As the networking specialists, Novell will continue to provide the best networking solutions for business' expanding needs and environments.

NetWare 5.1 is the best choice of networking software for today's mission-critical business needs. NetWare 5.1 leverages the industry-leading directory, Novell Directory Services, delivering solid management and administrative efficiencies that are still dreams at Microsoft - despite Active Directory. NetWare 5.1 delivers scalable networking services truly based on open standards - we have not hidden any proprietary protocols under the covers. Novell firmly believes that customers who implement open standards-based solutions will protect their investments, interoperate better with other best-of-breed solutions, and avoid the pitfalls of proprietary systems, including forced upgrades.

Additionally, NetWare 5.1 delivers scalable native applications, the world's leading database with Oracle8, Web development with WebSphere, and the fastest Java execution environment for the next generation of networked applications. Finally, NetWare 5.1raises core networking services such as file and print to new performance, reliability and security standards that will broaden the gaps with Windows NT or Windows 2000 Server's multi-purpose services.

Microsoft's Windows NT Workstation and Server, and recently introduced Windows 2000 products are useful at running desktops and Windows-based applications. Novell's shipping products such as NDS for NT and ZENworks (Starter Pack included with NetWare 5.1) will extend and manage those environments better than Microsoft. Additionally, these Novell products work with previous NetWare versions and support previous Microsoft desktops. They do not require or force expensive and corporate-wide upgrades to deliver their benefits. Microsoft's corporate strategy is to lock in the market with single-sourced technology and the promise of a homogeneous utopia; thus forcing upgrades. Novell's strategy is to manage the mixed environments that exist in corporate networks and make those networks more reliable, scalable and secure than anyone else.

Companies must make decisions on both the current product set and future promises of enhancements. Novell certainly understands the complexities and dynamics of large software projects and thus recommends customers strongly consider the value of shipping products, their features, and their business benefits over any promises of future deliverables. We also understand the need for customers to understand future product directions. With that in mind, Novell suggests you compare the product values, features, quality, and futures within a reasonable implementation timeframe. Waiting for a product to mature, to be repaired, or to incorporate required functionality does not provide a competitive edge.

Growing businesses cannot wait.

Copyright 2000