NOVELL: Novell delivers directory-based management solution for NT branch offices.

M2 PRESSWIRE-13 May 1999-NOVELL: Novell delivers directory-based management solution for NT branch offices (C)1994-99 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:120599

* Novell BranchManager for NT Leverages Novell Directory Services with Internet Protocol (IP) Support

LAS VEGAS (NetWorld+Interop) -- Novell, today announced the availability of Novell BranchManager for NT, the company's directory-based solution for centrally managing remote NT servers and Windows workstations in multiple office locations. Novell BranchManager for NT combines the strengths of four best-of-breed Novell management solutions in one package: NDS for NT 2.01 - the new IP version of NDS for NT that provides the foundation for the product; ZENworks 1.1; ManageWise Agent for Windows 2.6; and BorderManager Authentication Services 3.0. The integration of these tools brings the management of NT branch office and department users, applications, security, desktops and servers to a single point of administration - resulting in more control in managing change in corporate networks. With the delivery of Novell BranchManager for NT, Novell further demonstrates its commitment to providing businesses with cost-effective network solutions that unify and simplify mixed network environments.

"Novell BranchManager for NT delivers the solution today that our customers need to manage and grow their businesses. By combining four NDS-based tools in one package, businesses using NT now have a cohesive and comprehensive branch management solution at their fingertips," said John Slitz, senior vice president of marketing, Novell. "With Novell BranchManager for NT, each user on the corporate network has a unique networking identity and can access what they need from the network, regardless of location or platform. The ability to keep workers connected to all the resources on the corporate network will improve productivity for companies using NT for applications in their branch offices and departments."

Administrator and End-user Benefits

For network administrators, Novell BranchManager for NT leverages the capabilities of NDS for NT 2.01 to enable central management of a mixed network environment. In addition, the pure IP support that NDS for NT 2.01 provides means companies can standardise on one protocol and reduce WAN traffic between branch offices. Novell BranchManager for NT also reduces network administrators' workload by automating NT administration, minimising travel, reducing support calls and eliminating redundant support tasks. This leads to significant time and cost savings.

For end-users, Novell BranchManager for NT offers ease of use by allowing users to work uninterrupted regardless of location or which machine they use. Novell BranchManager for NT crosses NetWare and NT boundaries to build a unique networking identity for each user by providing personalised desktops that are accessible to them, no matter where they are on the network. For the first time, the branch office can be established as a secure access point, providing remote users with a familiar interface to critical Internet and corporate resources.

Leveraging Novell's Directory-based Solutions

Manage customised desktops - Novell BranchManager for NT maintains a consistent end-user desktop interface to information and resources, regardless of location. Leveraging the power of ZENworks 1.1, the network administrator can easily maintain profiles based on individual user preference, repair damaged files and update software centrally.

Improve network availability - Novell BranchManager for NT minimises downtime of business-critical network services and provides faster resolution to network problems by monitoring NT servers and communicating critical information. Using ManageWise Agent for Windows NT 2.6, the network administrator can manage the network as a system rather than as a set of independent devices from any SNMP-based console.

Enhance network security - The BorderManager Authentication Services 3.0 element in BranchManager for NT provides secure authentication, authorisation and accounting services for remote users through NDS and the Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) protocol. It provides remote users with a secure, consistent interface to critical network resources.

Manage change - Novell BranchManager for NT leverages NDS to create a single user identity across a multi-vendor network to help businesses manage change while they grow. Changes to the directory can be made with simple point, click, drag and drop management of user and resource objects in the NDS tree. This enables fast incorporation of organisational and technological changes while protecting existing IT investments.

Pricing and Availability

Novell BranchManager for NT server and a five-client license is available worldwide (English only) today for US $995. This solution represents more than a 50 percent discount off the individually priced products. Additional five-, 10 and 25 client licenses can be purchased for US $245, US $490 and US $1225 respectively.

Prior NDS for NT customers can download the upgrade to NDS for NT 2.01 licenses free of charge from the Web at www.novell.com/download/.

To order, customers may contact an authorised Novell reseller. Customers with additional questions about Novell BranchManager for NT and/or NDS for NT 2.01 may visit Novell's Web site at http://www.novell.com/products/branchmanager/ and http://www.novell.com/products/ndsfornt/.

About Novell

Founded in 1983, Novell (NASDAQ: NOVL) is the world's leading provider of network software. The company offers a wide range of network solutions for distributed network, Internet/intranet and small-business markets, as well as the network computing industry's most comprehensive education and technical support programmes. Information about Novell and its complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at http://www.novell.com.

Photography is available from: http://www.novell.com/pressroom/index.html UK Web site is at http://www.novell.com/uk/

CONTACT: David Button, Firefly Tel: +44 (0)171 381 4505 e-mail: dbutton@firefly.co.uk Sue Harker, Novell UK Tel: +44 (0)1344 724 312 e-mail: sue_harker@novell.com

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