Hi Marc: As was sent to me from a friend at Novell, something you might be interested in:
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The first noteably, visible "output" from Chris Stone's group:
novell.com
One Vision, One Strategy and One Architecture
Strategy Brief
Today's networks are the workplace for business, exploration and collaboration. Computing can happen anywhere and at any time. Information, interaction and connection is on demand and, increasingly, without limits of location. Businesses today are faced with ever-changing network computing advancements. Nearly everything is a computer, with the applications and solutions running on them requiring intelligent processing and portability across a wide range of devices-all connected through Internet computing, mobile communications and global networks.
<link>With this quick evolution of computing ubiquity, complexity is also growing. Costs to remain competitive and connected can rise on many fronts. Thus, managing the "whole" business-lowering the real costs of ownership, bringing greater flexibility and efficiency to the organization and maximizing return on investments-all constitute the health of the bottom line. To flourish in this dynamic technology arena, all businesses must deal with an accelerated pace of change as part of their standard operating procedure. Taking advantage of the new and exciting, while leveraging the existing and proven, is the constant challenge, and the source of opportunity, for effectively and profitably managing your business.
Manageability is the central theme of Novell's Open Solutions ArchitectureT (OSA)-manageability of productivity applications, connectivity services and open solutions that run the business network- which is increasingly a network that spans local, enterprise, global, mobile, Internet commerce and telecommunications infrastructures. Managing users and resources, applications and desktops, data and information, networking and connectivity, collaboration and productivity, represents the real costs of ownership for businesses.
Customers are struggling to build and deploy solutions that use their existing infrastructure (legacy systems) and also take advantage of the new era of Internet computing. With management of applications, desktops and networks representing the major 1 cost of ownership (over 76 percent) facing most businesses, partial solutions abound. Yet, solutions lacking a comprehensive architecture and an open development infrastructure for supporting the entire network aren't making the grade.
Novell, together with its third-party ISVs and partners, is focused on delivering networking services, products and solutions that embrace Open Solutions Architecture for bringing greater control, manageability and lower cost of ownership to our customers.
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A New Focus for Novell
With Open Solutions Architecture, Novell is focused on delivering the platforms, services and products that address the central theme in cost of ownership-manageability. Additionally, Open Solutions Architecture provides a roadmap for Novell and its partners to focus and deliver solutions that provide a cohesive strategy and foundation for helping customers manage their whole business.
The company's strengths in delivering robust, scalable network services (NDST, security, distributed print, storage, management, etc.), a proven, award-winning network server platform (NetWarer), innovative products such as GroupWise r , BorderManagerT and others, position Novell for the future as much more than just a network operating system leader.
<link> Novell's range of products already provide powerful management services for users and resources across multiple platforms (NDS for NetWare, NDS for NT, NDS for popular UNIX platforms), offering administrators easy, central and cost-effective administration of users across the entire network.
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The application and desktop management services of Network Application LauncherT (NAL) leverage Novell Directory ServicesT for greater security and access control in distributing applications and configuring desktops, dramatically lowering the costs of desktop support and maintenance. Novell also offers client software for all major desktop operating systems. As desktop operating system technology advances, Novell is continuously offering new client features that make its powerful networking services easily accessible to users.
Rich network management services, delivered through ManageWise r , provide administrators with a common console to monitor, manage and configure network servers, routers, devices and resources across the network using standard protocols and connectivity services.
Novell's GroupWise product combines the industry's richest E-mail, calendaring, scheduling, workflow, document management and collaboration service within a cohesive messaging platform, providing the most cost-effective solution for managing how users share information, collaborate and communicate.
BorderManager manages access to and from the Internet by offering rich security (firewall) and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) between businesses, their vendors and customers. This, combined with BorderManager's unparalleled performance in caching and proxy, offers greater manageability and control of how the Internet impacts your business. It enables the enterprise to expand from a strict yes or no firewall system to a point-to-point encrypted network where security is less of a technology issue and more of a business issue. And Novell will continue to deliver rich networking services, such as Novell Distributed Print ServicesT (NDPS), Novell Replication ServicesT (NRST), NetWare for SAA* host connectivity and many others, to enhance and extend how the network works-ultimately helping you manage your business and lower your cost of ownership.
With OSA, Novell has one vision, one strategy-and one architecture-to move our products, services and solutions around the central theme of manageability. OSA not only provides the internal roadmap for how Novell moves forward, it also represents an open architecture for third-party participation in offering additional services that enhance and improve the management of businesses. Additionally, Open Solutions Architecture introduces a new model for application development that leverages the attributes of Novell's networking services for developers to create a new class of networked applications that are inherently manageable, platform-independent and network-aware.
Open Solutions Architecture provides the framework by which all of Novell's services and products work cohesively in delivering more value and manageability to your overall business. In this framework, the global directory becomes central in providing the context and control you expect. Through OSA, Novell's services, products and platforms fully embrace open standards and interfaces and are free of the proprietary limitations of the past. <link>Furthermore, a wide range of additional services and solutions will be delivered throughout 1998 that demonstrate Novell's clear focus and commitment to creating and delivering open, integrated solutions that meet customer needs.
Open Participation
Open Solutions Architecture is not limited to Novell services, technologies or products. It also extends to enable and support third-party ISVs and partner solutions that focus on solving customer problems in managing their businesses. OSA is designed to allow third-party services to plug into a common framework that allows access through Java interfaces, scripting languages (Visual Basic*, JavaScript*, Perl), and C/C++ APIs.
Extending OSA Through Network Services
Network services provide the foundation upon which robust network-aware solutions are built. Services may be written in Java or native platform executables. Open Solutions Architecture is designed to promote 100% Java solutions, therefore all networking services (written in Java or native executables) will be expressed through Java APIs. Specific frameworks that promote manageability (such as installation, software updates, licensing, network management, etc.) will be delivered to developers through Novell's Open Solutions Architecture SDK to assist in building manageable solutions. The developer interfaces to networking services for manageable, network-aware solutions will be through class libraries, JavaBeans*, Scripting, and C/C++ APIs to enable the widest range of developer participation and opportunity.
Extending OSA Through Strategic Partner
s Strategic partners working with Novell will provide rich networking services and solutions which enhance and extend Open Solutions Architecture.
Open collaboration will ensure that customer needs are met through new and innovative services by a wide range of partners.
Examples of Strategic Partners
The following three examples demonstrate how strategic partners will embrace and extend Open Solutions Architecture to offer developers and customers greater value and functionality.
Oracle
Novell and Oracle have formed a strategic partnership to deliver enhanced database connectivity and Web-based application development on the NetWare platform. Oracle's Network Computing Architecture* (NCA) introduced Web-based application development using standard HTTP invocations across Web servers. The Oracle Web Application Server supports remote invocation of server-based applications, called cartridges, which may be written using Java. Java-based cartridges can be written to query database information and perform any number of tasks and functions to deliver information to users via HTML browsers. OSA enhances Oracle's Internet development environment by offering Java interfaces to make cartridges more secure and manageable. Java cartridges can be built using the OSA SDK that access rich networking services. Oracle's Web Application Server, Oracle developer tools and Oracle database services all enhance Novell's Open Solutions Architecture by offering developers multiple ways to build server-based solutions that are accessible and managed across the network.
WebLogic
Novell has licensed the WebLogic TengahT Java Application Server as a 100% Java Server platform for NetWare. By incorporating the Tengah Java Server on the NetWare platform, greater functionality in Java Database Connectivity (JDBC), Remote Method Invocation (RMI), Enterprise and Distributed JavaBeans, Servlets, Event Management, and Java Naming and Directory Interface* (JNDI*) offers developers powerful ways to build server-based Java solutions. WebLogic complements Novell's Open Solutions Architecture by providing a rich Java server development environment, with services to database, Enterprise JavaBeans, Servlets, and RMI that greatly enhance the Java Runtime Environment (JVM, JIT) available on the NetWare platform. In addition, WebLogic and Novell will continue to enhance the Java server platform to support all the OSA Management frameworks developed by Novell and its partners.
Novonyx
As a Novell/Netscape company, Novonyx will deliver the rich Internet services of Netscape SuiteSpot*, such as Enterprise and Fastrack services (Web services), messaging and collaboration services, proxy and cache services, and Netscape ONE functionality on the NetWare platform. Novell's Open Solutions Architecture fully embraces Netscape SuiteSpot services and the Netscape ONE development environment through open class libraries and JavaBeans components that enable solutions to be both manageable and network-aware. Customers will have the freedom to use Netscape's powerful Internet services with the industry's leading server platform to build more manageable solutions through Netscape ONE and Novell's OSA SDK.
Extending OSA Through Open Developer Tools
The Open Solutions Architecture SDK is designed to embrace existing developer tools from leading developer vendors. Through open Java class libraries or JavaBeans*, developers will be able to consume network services easier and more universally. In contrast to many other vendor offerings, Novell's direction is comprehensive and based on well-defined, widely implemented multi-vendor standards. And because Open Solutions Architecture frameworks are 100% Java, developers can easily import them into their existing tools to take advantage of services that promote easier management, robust security and location-independent access for their applications.
While most developer environments focus on the creation of applications themselves, Open Solutions Architecture is focused on the manageability and distribution of server-based solutions through networking services. And to enable the best environment for application development, OSA offers developers freedom of choice in choosing tools, frameworks, platforms, open APIs and network services to meet their varying needs. Through OSA, Novell is committed to preserving real-world, cross-platform functionality and support through 100% Java interfaces and open access protocols, such as RMI, IIOP, HTTP and others.
Open Manageable Solutions:New Opportunity for Developers
Developers will extend their applications to become more manageable through the Open Solutions Architecture SDK. The OSA SDK represents a collection of 100% Java frameworks that identify specific areas of manageability that developers and customers demand. Examples of manageable frameworks offered through the SDK are:
* Installation and Configuration Framework
* Software Update and Distribution Framework
* Licensing and Metering Framework
* Network Management Console framework
* Directory Naming and Registration Framework
* Event and policy management framework
* Security and authentication framework
* Collaborative management framework
* Internet border manager framework
* Storage access and management framework
* Replication management framework
* Distributed print framework
Using Java, it is now possible to quickly build and deploy applications on nearly any node in the connected network environment. Multi-tier computing takes on a whole new dimension when application logic can be flexibly partitioned for execution at the point of greatest economy and manageability. But writing an application in Java doesn't necessarily mean it solves customer problems. Without rich networking services to enrich and extend the functionality of Java-such as making applications and solutions easier to manage, secure, license, and enabling distribution and partitioning-cost of ownership and customer problems still are not being directly addressed.
<link>This is the focus of Novell's Open Solutions ArchitectureT (OSA); to enhance and extend the 100% Pure Java* model of "Write Once, Run Anywhere*" portability by adding attributes that make applications easier to register, discover, install, configure, manage and update across the network-in short, all the things that help your customers lower their "real" cost of ownership. Open Solutions Architecture is designed to embrace existing developer tools and frameworks from partners such as Netscape, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft and others to extend an application's functionality to the network. Instead of focusing solely on application development, OSA focuses on the manageability and distribution of secure applications.
Open Solutions Architecture is not limited to Java. It also extends support to C/C++ developers and scripting developers writing network-aware applications and solutions. Novell's Open Solutions Architecture is the blueprint by which Novell's rich networking services and products will be focused for delivering more manageable infrastructure-forming the foundation of solutions that inherently become more secure, manageable, distributed and global. Novell's strengths in directory services (NDS), security, storage, distributed print, network backup, resource management (ManageWise), licensing, messaging and collaboration (GroupWise), and other key network services are ideally suited to provide the necessary tools for developers to build reliable, robust solutions that meet customer needs. With OSA, Java developers will receive the tools and services needed to build manageable and distributed solutions. The Open Solutions Architecture SDK delivers the necessary Java class libraries, components (JavaBeans), and Java Runtime Environment (JRE) to build secure, server-based solutions on the NetWare platform or across any 100% Java execution environment.
OSA Software Development Kit Early Access Release
Delivered in October 1997, the initial OSA release features full Java server support on NetWare 4.x, intraNetWare and Moab (NetWare 5.0) operating systems. The Java server environment supports JVM/JDK 1.1.3, Sun Microsystem's Just-in-time (JIT) compiler, 100% Pure Java Object Request Broker (ORB), GUI support on the server and extended RMI functionality. Java Server servlet support and database connectivity through JDBC demonstrate easy ways to build Web-based database solutions for the server. The Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI) introduces developers to the federated Java naming interface that supports LDAP, NDS, DNS, XFN and other naming services. In addition, full evaluation copies of popular developer tools from Symantec, IBM, Penumbra and Sun are also available. Scripting developers can access the latest version of NetBasic* (v.7), which offers a 100% Visual Basic* Script engine on NetWare that can fully consume Java libraries and components (JavaBeans) on the server. Script developers have broad freedom of choice for building easy, efficient server-based applications using Perl, JavaScript*, Dynamic HTML or NetBasic (Visual Basic).
The primary focus of the OSA Early Access Release SDK was to deliver the complete Java Runtime Environment and 100% Java server platform on Novell's NetWare platforms. Focused initially on 100 percent compliance and functionality of the Java server platform, successive iterations of Novell's OSA SDK will deliver a high-performance Java server platform during 1998. Enhanced optimization of the Java server with the NetWare operating system kernel will deliver to customers and developers the most robust, scalable, and highest-performing Java execution platform for the network. Novell's Java server platform will offer customers lowered cost of ownership by enabling higher-performing, more-manageable solutions.
Open Solutions Architecture SDK (Release 1.0)
Scheduled for release in March 1998, the 1.0 release of the OSA SDK will deliver a higher-performance Java execution engine running Symantec's JIT compiler and will feature improved server GUI performance and OS integration. Novell's goal is to provide the highest-performing, lowest-cost Java execution platform in the industry. Future releases, beginning with this one, throughout 1998 will achieve this goal.
The 1.0 release will feature enhanced database connectivity to over 15+ data stores, including Oracle, IBM DB2, Informix, Sybase, Microsoft SQL and others which will be delivered through both JDBC interfaces and ODBC APIs on the server. Enhanced multi-join capabilities between multiple data stores will increase the ease and functionality of Web-based database development. Oracle's Web Application Server* (WAS), which provides easy Web-based development through HTTP/Web server access to database and Java cartridges, will also be included. OSA management console and installation frameworks will also be delivered that enable developers to network manage and install their Java solutions. The management console (code-named Houston) supports JavaBeans and standard Java Applets for remote browser-based administration and management. Enhanced developer tools (remote server-based debugging), scripting enhancements, Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) support, event services and robust RMI services will also demonstrate Novell's ongoing commitment to Java on the server.
Throughout 1998, more Open Solutions Architecture management frameworks will be delivered to enhance the manageability of Internet solutions. These will include interfaces to allow developers to dynamically register and discover services and solutions across the network (enabling their applications to be network-aware through directory services), installation and configuration interfaces, management console interfaces, software update interfaces, as well as licensing and metering interfaces. Additional interfaces to networking services for storage, print, security, collaboration and management will be delivered to provide the richest, highest-performance Java server, development, deployment and execution platform possible.
Leverage Open Solutions Architecture For The Healthiest Bottom Line
Novell has a vision, a strategy and an architecture to move its platforms, services and products to open standards and address our customers' largest cost-of-ownership concern, that of manageability. Manageability is the central theme of OSA- manageability of productivity applications, connectivity services and open solutions that run business networks.
Novell is using its experience in delivering world-class network services to move Java beyond the desktop and onto the server. To accomplish this, Novell has significantly improved how development happens on the world's most popular networking platforms with Open Solutions Architecture. In fact, development opportunities for building better, faster, more manageable networked applications and solutions are now virtually limitless.
A complete services framework for server-based Java development, Open Solutions Architecture delivers a comprehensive approach for developers to build tomorrow's large, distributed business applications and advance the role of electronic commerce for their customers with Java.
Development through Open Solutions Architecture makes perfect sense for developers to today's distributed heterogeneous networks. In these mixed environments it is essential for applications to integrate with a diversity of hardware and software to provide users and administrators the access value, flexibility and freedom of choice they increasingly need to do their work. More than any other vendor, Novell network services, products and technologies enable that integration. And Novell's strategy of offering customers the integrated solutions they need also means a huge installed base for developer partners whose solutions make the grade. Through DeveloperNetT , Novell's premier developement environment, developers receive easy access to all of Novell's networking services through higher-level interfaces, such as ActiveX* controls, scripting components, Java Classes and C-language abstractions. With a choice of five subscription levels, DeveloperNet subscribers leverage the industry's most complete palette of standards-based development resources, information, educational materials, partnering and co-marketing opportunities.
Developers can join DeveloperNet and receive the latest Open Solutions Architecture SDK, as well as follow-on releases to move forward and build a new class of network application that is easier to manage and distribute across the network and the internet.
1. IDC REPORT - "COST OF OWNERSHIP REPORT"
c1997 Novell, Inc. All rights reserved. NetWare, Novell, the Novell logo, GroupWise and ManageWise are registered trademarks and NDS, Novell Directory Services, Novell Distributed Print Services, Novell Replication Services, Open Solutions Architecture are trademarks of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Java, JavaBeans, Java Naming and Directory Interface, JNDI and JavaScript are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc.; Network Computing Architecture and Oracle Web Application Server are trademarks of Oracle Corporation; Tengah is a trademark of WebLogic, Inc.; NetBasic is a trademark of HiTecSoft Corporation; UNIX is a registered trademark of X/Open Company, Ltd.; and Windows NT Server is a registered trademark and Visual Basic, ODBC are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other registered trademarks and trademarks (designated with *) are properties of their respective holders.
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Just watch out where your entry point is for NOVL.
Regards,
Joe...
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