It's Time: Newly released Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0 takes acclaimed Novell networking services to Linux!
Articles and Tips: article
01 Jan 2004
In just twelve years, Linux has grown from Linus Torvalds' pet project to the fastest-growing operating system (OS) in high-tech history. Novell recently started the next chapter in that history when it announced its intent to acquire SUSE Linux. "Novell has been committed to promoting open, standards-based computing for many years now," said Rick Maddox, director of Nterprise marketing for Novell. "With SUSE Linux and the recent roll out of Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0, Novell will be the world's largest supplier of desktop-to-server Linux solutions and technical support."
Demand for the performance, freedom of choice and flexibility that Linux offers is growing exponentially, but some companies are taking a wait-and-see stance because of a perceived shortcoming: mature applications. That void is now being filled by Novell. "We are taking the acclaimed networking services Novell is known for to Linux," explained Tracy Thayne, director of marketing for the Novell Nterprise Linux Services product. "With Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0, Linux users now have a tremendous selection of reliable and proven services-from file and identity to messaging and print-to make them more productive on a more reliable and secure platform with a lower total cost of ownership. These tools have familiar interfaces, are easy to use, and all of them are backed by our worldwide support, training and consulting services. We are taking the next step in our open, cross-platform computing strategy by extending our entire ecosystem to Linux."
A brief overview of the major services available in Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0 will show why, with the advanced functionality and decades of development, Novell has and will continue to reduce the barriers to adopting Linux across the enterprise.
File Services uses Novell iFolder to automatically secure and synchronize files, giving users access to the latest versions of all their documents, spreadsheets and presentations at any time and from any location. Other benefits are:
Eliminate training requirements
Automatically back up and store files
Simplify file management for end users
Accurately track and bill storage costs
Encrypt files to protect them while in transit
Identity Services provides a complete identity and authentication infrastructure for heterogeneous networks, including the Linux OS. It integrates Novell eDirectory, DirXML and eGuide to help organizations simplify management, secure resources and scale to meet business demands. Other benefits are:
Precisely control resources
Strengthen network security
Easily accommodate company growth
Simplify administration and reduce costs
Leverage investments in current systems
Improve productivity and satisfaction for users, business partners and customers
Management Services includes Red Carpet and Novell ZENworks technologies, which work together to automate resource distribution and management. Novell iManager provides flexible Web-based administration. Other benefits are:
Reduce demands on IT staff
Provide secure management services
Eliminate redundant processes and unnecessary travel
Proactively assess and respond to your evolving network
Provide flexibility and global view via Web-based management
Messaging Services incorporates Novell NetMail to deliver a convenient, fullfeatured messaging and calendaring solution. Highly scalable with broad support of industry standards, it helps users stay connected and productive by giving them a quick way to share ideas. Other benefits are:
Accommodate growth without downtime
Improve productivity and responsiveness
Access e-mail messages from any location
Facilitate communication across the or
Leverage current investments in technology and training
Print Services use Novell iPrint to grant immediate, user-friendly printer access to desktop, mobile and remote users. It supports end-to-end printing out of the box and lets administrators tailor precise solutions to meet their unique needs. Other benefits are:
Improve productivity
Simplify printer management
Provide secure information transfer
Simplify printer access and configuration
Reduce administrative and help desk costs
Virtual Office Services combines open source technologies, directory-based identity management and other proven Novell services to create convenient, custom portals. Through these portals, users can securely access files, print documents or collaborate with colleagues. The self-service features and collaboration tools also help users streamline interactions with partners and suppliers while increasing productivity and customer satisfaction. Other benefits are:
Reduce help desk calls
Access network files anytime and anywhere
Manage passwords without help desk assistance
Automate driver installation for Windows workstations
Create, personalize and manage portals without complex programming or IT intervention
Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0 runs on the leading Linux distributions including SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. These services are also part of the Novell cross-platform strategy, which began in 1999 when it made eDirectory available on several platforms. "Companies are looking for an alternative to proprietary vendors who force licensing agreements on them and solutions they may not need," said Maddox. "Novell is giving its customers flexibility and choice. With Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0, Novell delivers the reliability, scalability and security of NetWare and UNIX while freeing customers from expensive single-vendor solutions. They can build open source applications and deploy them on their timetable instead of being forced into a vendor's upgrade schedule. When it comes to total cost of ownership and return on investment, Linux is fast becoming the OS of choice."
Open Source Strategy
The Novell acquisition of Ximian in August of 2003 is another part of its open-enterprise strategy. Ximian is one of the world's leading providers of Linux management, desktop productivity and Windows interoperability solutions for the enterprise. One of its tools, Ximian Mono, is an open source initiative that promotes Microsoft .NET development on Linux and UNIX, which allows third-party developers to create .NET applications that run on Linux.
Novell will also lower the barrier to Linux adoption by employing its global and highly developed ecosystem to support the Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0 product line. In partnership with industry leaders like IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Intel and others, Novell will promote and support Linux and Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0 around the world. "Novell will be the only billion-dollar software company with a Linux distribution, tools to increase productivity and lower costs, and rock-solid technical support capabilities," noted Maddox. "In addition, we offer full training and support for Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0. The bottom line is that we can help customers install, configure and maintain their Linux enterprise. We'll be expanding our ecosystem even further with the Novell Certified Linux Engineer (CLE) certification. Novell is rapidly delivering the tools and ROI that will make it easy for CIOs to justify using Linux as an enterprise platform."
GNU
The Novell vision-a world without information boundaries where the right people are connected to the right information at the right time to make the right decisions-is a natural extension of the open source approach. The GNU General Public License (GNU is a recursive acronym for "GNU's Not Unix"), which puts the needs of customers above vendors and guarantees Linux remains open and free, was written in 1984-the same time Novell was practicing the concept of coopetition. "Novell's commitment to pulling down barriers and sharing information is cultural and deeply entrenched," said Thayne. "It's a part of our history as a company. Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0 is another major step in that direction."
In its effort to deliver value to its customers and offer them the freedom to choose, Novell will continue to deliver Linux solutions to solve customers' ever-increasing business problems. According to Maddox, Novell has what businesses are demanding to help make them more productive and competitive in the ever-expanding global economy. "Customers want a low-cost, open-architecture enterprise network that is stable, secure, application-rich, easy to use and manage, and is backed up by quality training and experienced support. With SUSE Linux, the Ximian desktop tools and Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0, it is clear Novell is listening to its customers and will continue to deliver the powerful solutions they demand."
* Originally published in Novell Connection Magazine
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