Novell Upgrade Wizard Simplifies, Automates NetWare Upgrades
Articles and Tips: article
01 Jul 1998
Novell has announced the Novell Upgrade Wizard, a free, simple, robust tool for managing the upgrade of NetWare 3 network servers to Novell intraNetWare, the industry's leading directory-based server operating system. The new GUI- based tool provides an automated process for upgrading to the latest version of Novell's server operating system, which gives customers excellent management and control of their full-service business intranet's Web applications, file, print, security and Internet connectivity.
The Novell Upgrade Wizard saves administrative time and effort with its step-by-step wizard format including drag and drop capability that allows administrators to define and model a new Novell Directory Services (NDS) directory structure before completing the upgrade process. These capabilities reduce the time required to upgrade existing networks to intraNetWare, the latest in high-performance server operating systems, and new high-speed server hardware.
"With growing customer interest in upgrading to NetWare 4, Novell is doing everything possible to automate the migration process," said Coleman Barney, director of marketing for Novell's Platform Services Group. "The simplicity, completeness and diagnostic ability of Novell Upgrade Wizard makes it a great solution for every customer."
The Novell Upgrade Wizard is a powerful and easy-to-use solution that requires little manual configuration and quickly upgrades all network content, security rights and network structure to a new intraNetWare server. Armed with the new utility, system administrators maintain the integrity of printer and print- management information, passwords and administrative rights during the entire upgrade process. The Novell Upgrade Wizard includes troubleshooting capabilities to help identify and resolve conflicts and configuration problems before the upgrade begins.
Novell Upgrade Wizard includes valuable features which ease transitions to NetWare 4. Key features include the following:
Drag and Drop Modeling Capability
Graphical modeling capabilities simplify the upgrade process allowing customers to organize the new server structure off-line before the upgrade. Administrators simply drag network objects and file volumes from the NetWare 3 server to the new NDS tree to visually depict the pending upgrade. As such, users can analyze several new NDS directory and network configurations before choosing the best solution. When the user is satisfied with the new configuration, the Novell Upgrade Wizard seamlessly performs the upgrade.
Local and Remote Control
Because the Novell Upgrade Wizard operates on the administrator's desktop, a series of across-the-wire upgrade projects can be done without spending considerable time in the server room. Remote upgrade capabilities allow the administrator to upgrade any server he has rights to, reducing both travel time and costs.
Upgrades both NetWare 3 Bindery and File System
The new upgrade tool provides an integrated solution for moving both a server's bindery information and the file system at the same time, requiring fewer processes than other upgrade solutions. As the administrator moves information, all trustee security assignments remain intact and protected to reduce redundant administrative tasks.
Troubleshooting
The Novell Upgrade Wizard checks for potential conflicts and errors between the NetWare 3 server and the NDS tree such as object name conflicts, NDS security, disk space limitations, and then gives the administrator several options for resolution.
Password and Print Migration
The Novell Upgrade Wizard automates the transfer of print information and user passwords during the upgrade. All user account passwords are upgraded in a secure manner, eliminating the need to reset passwords for every user on the network along with concerns of compromising network security.
Pricing and Availability
The tool is now available for free download from Novell's Web site at http://www.novell.com/intranetware/upgrade/wizard.html.
* Originally published in Novell AppNotes
Disclaimer
The origin of this information may be internal or external to Novell. While Novell makes all reasonable efforts to verify this information, Novell does not make explicit or implied claims to its validity.