Novell Inc. is expanding front-end client access to NDS and
dynamically linking users to more types of information and
applications via the directory software.
These are the latest efforts in the company's plan to expand the
NetWare Directory Services software into a truly global directory.
"The back-end stuff is done," said Michael Simpson, NetWare product manager for Novell, in Orem, Utah. "Now we want NDS to have as much content as possible, and we want to provide as much access as possible."
Novell will deliver this year an IP-based Macintosh client that
can access NDS through a Novell browser, sources close to Novell and Apple Computer Inc. said. The IP client will feature an interface that enables the native Mac IPX stack to use TCP/IP as a transport, allowing users to choose either protocol, sources said.
In addition, Novell plans to release this year an NDS bundle code-named Usernet that will integrate NetWare clients with NDS, a Novell browser and GroupWise, said Simpson.
The package will enable users to send E-mail through NDS without ever having to open GroupWise simply by clicking on a user object in the directory, Simpson said.
Other plans for NDS include integrating back-end pointers to
databases by the end of the year, several sources said. The pointers would eliminate the need for users to know on what server database information was stored or learn new paths to data if a server location changed, said John Linney, product line manager for World Wide Web services with Novell, in San Jose, Calif.
"It's like not having to know a phone number directly," said Linney. "If you always called directory information, that phone number could change every day."
Novell will first work directly with key vendors to help them integrate their products with NDS. Eventually, any vendor will be able to use NDS APIs through Novell's Net 2000 development initiative and Java, Simpson said.
NDS pointers to databases would make end-user training easier and be a big help to technical support staffs, said Bill Baltas, network administrator for the Las Vegas Metro Police Department. "From a management perspective, it would be a great advantage," Baltas said.
Additional reporting by Paula Rooney
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