Novell Announces Industry-First Implementation of Draft Java Naming and Directory Interface API
Articles and Tips: article
01 Apr 1997
In March, Novell announced availability of its early implementation of the Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI), an open Java application programming interface (API). This technology leverages Java's "Write Once, Run Anywhere" capability, supporting a new class of directory-enabled applications and unleashing the power of the network.
JNDI will enable applications written in Java to access information on network users and resources for multiple network naming and directory services, including Novell Directory Services (NDS). Utilizing NDS and JNDI, customers are able to build applications that span location and time, making people dramatically more productive and connected to their work.
In concert with this endeavor, Novell will demonstrate its early implementation of JNDI at its BrainShare '97 technical conference (held in Salt Lake City the last week of March). JNDI enables applications to access user and resource information from NDS as well as from Sun Microsystems, IBM, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Netscape and Microsoft naming and directory systems. JNDI delivers an open approach to easily bring together disparate network naming and directory offerings.
"JNDI gives developers the power of a uniform, well-designed programming model to navigate practically any set of name spaces or directories," said Mike MacKay, Novell vice president of corporate architecture. "High functionality directory services, such as Novell's NDS, become even more powerful through JNDI because they are fully integrated with the entire network. JNDI and NDS provide the ideal foundation for creating the new generation of applications that will truly realize the network as the workplace. We are providing technology that supports the essentials of business C people and their work."
As the industry's leading directory service with more than 17 million users, NDS provides an opportunity for developers to expand their business and build applications for Novell IntranetWare, Sun Solaris, Microsoft Windows NT and leading UNIX implementations.
In addition, NDS has been endorsed as a preferred directory service by major industry leaders, including Sun, HP and The Santa Cruz Operation (SCO). JNDI delivers "Write Once, Run Anywhere" capabilities to the NDS cross-platform customer base.
"We're pleased that Novell has been such a strong collaborator in helping us define this open JNDI specification," said Jim Mitchell, vice president of technology and architecture, JavaSoft. "Novell has been a terrific leader in this process, working cooperatively with other industry leaders to bring the benefits of universal access to directory services on all major operating platforms through Java."
"The combination of Java and Novell Directory Services will translate into huge cost and time savings for my company," said Tom Bowers, vice president for PC services of Advanced Computer Services. "We are focused on mainframe-to-PC connectivity. Java's cross-platform capabilities allow us to connect these two systems efficiently and cost-effectively. With the integration between Java and NDS through JNDI, I will be able to see what's available on the network and localize these connectivity activities, saving our clients significant administration and management costs."
"We have been looking for ways to bring intranet and Internet applications into our existing NDS world," said Don Ramsey, network administrator for Kettering Medical Center. "Because we are a hospital and handle confidential medical documents we have stringent security requirements for our applications. Bringing Java and NDS together through JNDI should deliver the level of authentication that is crucial for the further development of our applications while allowing us to leverage our existing IntranetWare investment."
JNDI for NDS Availability
Novell is a supporter of the 100% Pure Java initiative and will continue to be a leader in pioneering open network standards for the benefit of the Java industry.
Copyright 1997 by Novell, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the express written permission of Novell.
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* Originally published in Novell AppNotes
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