Iowa/Nebraska Novell Technical Blast
John Bezy, Novell Iowa/Nebraska Systems Engineer
Vol 4, No 11 - 5/22/02
** High Priority **
Upcoming Events
Secure Access from Anywhere- Novell Portal Services
You are invited to a FREE Seminar highlighting the benefits of Portal
Services! (includes a continental breakfast and Q & A session with our
experts)
When: Thursday, May 30th, 8:00 am - 11:30 am
Where: Wildwood Lodge, 11431 Forest Ave, Clive, IA (by Applebee's at
I-80 & University Ave)
RSVP: by calling 515.243.3400 or emailing Rnolan@midcomp.com
or Register here
http://register.novell.com/login/index.cfm?action=prelogin&fuse=event&id=4710&event_id=4710&lcode=enu
-Seats are limited so please RSVP.
Why your Business should have a Portal?
Businesses are gaining competitive advantage over others by offering
web browser based secure Portal access to:
The CIO Corner
Novell eDirectory Surpasses 420 Million Licenses Worldwide
Novell Frontline
Novell Frontline is a "one-stop shop" that contains news you need to
know about Novell: the corporate vision, product and solution information,
market share and awards, and links to financials highlights and other
corporate issues.
http://www.novell.com/news/press/frontline.html
Your Digital Minute - Novell iFolder
This short 2 minute video clip from respected computer industry analyst,
Cheryl Currid, is a great introduction to Novell iFolder and a perfect
piece to pass on to interested prospects, customers, or co-workers.
http://www1.novell.com/resourcecenter/ext_clickthrough.jsp?contentId=7982&logType=3
Novell NetWare and Windows 2000?? Which Is The Better Performer?
A recent benchmark test shows huge wins by the NetWare 6 product compared
to Windows-
http://www.etestinglabs.com/main/reports/novell.asp
Technical Tips
Server Consolidation Tool
We've got GREAT NEWS for Novell NetWare Customers!
We are currently developing a Server Consolidation Utility that will
allow Administrators to re-organize their networks, by moving files
from any number NetWare volumes (or directories within volumes) to a
single NetWare 5.x / 6.x server, a NetWare 5.1 / 6.0 Cluster, to multiple
NetWare 6.x servers, or to SAN volumes…all with associated file system
trustees, ownerships, IRF's, attributes, etc. This utility will also
move Printer Agents from one PSM to a different PSM.
As you know, NetWare administrators are under increasing pressure to
do more with less. They are constantly asked to cut costs and yet provide
more value to the company. In an effort to cut costs and ease management,
they are trying to consolidate servers and storage into central locations.
Most companies have either already purchased or are evaluating SAN technologies
to bring servers in from remote offices, because they don't have the
manpower or money to maintain them. In order to help our customers exploit
the full capability of NetWare 6's multi-processor ability, cut costs,
and simplify administration, we have developed the Server Consolidation
Utility.
This utility will be a stand alone utility and will be available as
a free download to all Novell customers.
The server consolidation utility is currently in a "closed" Beta. We
are planning to have this in Open Beta June 2002, and have it available
on the web July 2002.
If you are interested in evaluating this utility, send me an e-mail
with the exact title 'Request Server Consolidation Tool'
(without the quotes) and it will be returned to you... REMEMBER- this
is BETA, and if you do run across any defects, or enhancement requests,
or have problems receiving because of its size (14MB), please send them
to me. If your e-mail system is large file size-challenged, head over
to the Central Iowa Network Professionals web site at http://www.cinp.net
and look for the link on the front page..
AFTER 9am on 5/23/2002....
ZENworks for Desktops version 4 and Windows 95 Support?
If you have any questions about Novell's decision to NOT support Windows
95 with ZFD 4 (but we still support it with ZFD 3.2) then please visit
Microsoft's web site at:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycleconsumer.asp
The writing is on the web page - Microsoft stopped any "assisted support"
on Windows 95 last November. We have no choice but to follow THEIR lead
and stop support ourselves. Notice that Windows 98 and Windows NT 4
are just about a year away from the same fate...
Cool URLs
Training Materials for Apache on NetWare
There is an excellent " Live course" on this page:
http://developer.novell.com/education/tutorials/interactiveweb/index.htm
Joe Doupnik's Training Classes
Several people have asked about the availability of places on the NetWare
6 courses being given by Joe Doupnik (he is the moderator of the Syracuse
Univ Novell listserv, and works as a professor at Utah State University)
so I have decided to send the information to the list.. There are some
places available in Los Angeles, and places available in both Denver
and Minneapolis. Due to Joe's other commitments he will not be repeating
these events this year. For further details please refer to the website:
http://www.conference-bookings.com
ZENworks for Desktops Preboot Services
Check out the deployment guide at
http://www.novell.com/documentation/lg/zd32pb/index.html
Need Some ROI Justification? Check out these tools..
http://www1.novell.com/resourcecenter/ext_showType.jsp?typeId=302
Task List Programs
Ever wonder what some of those programs are that show up when you pull
up the task list?? Check out:
http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm
Coolsolutions for NetMail (remember from last edition - the new name
for NIMS...)
We're busy getting a new addition to the Cool Solutions family ready
for launch at http://www.novell.com/coolsolutions/netmail.
Later this week we'll introduce a new community for Novell NetMail (formerly
known as NIMS) users and administrators. If you're using NetMail, here's
a chance to appear on the maiden voyage. Just send a tip about using
(or installing, deploying, troubleshooting, etc.) NetMail, and if it
looks like something we can use, we'll send you a Novell t-shirt, post
your tip, and make you famous beyond your tamest dreams.
Send your tip submission to netmailmag@novell.com
Novell BorderManager AppNote in the May Edition "Interoperability of Novell BorderManager with Other Novell Services" by Sundar. N. Swamy Presents information to help readers understand the interactions of Novell BorderManager with other services, along with tips and hints for common BorderManager upgrade scenarios. Now available online at: http://developer.novell.com/research/appnotes/2002/May/03/a020503.htm
What Do Other Vendors Say About the Security of Their Systems?
GroupWise vs Exchange: Server Security White Paper
The Exchange Server solution has historically revealed a significantly
greater number of security vulnerabilities than Novell's GroupWise solution.
Corporations seeking to achieve greater Return on Investment should
consider GroupWise as a superior, secure solution for their collaboration
needs. This white paper addresses these security issues.
http://www1.novell.com/resourcecenter/ext_clickthrough.jsp?contentId=7941&logType=3
GroupWise vs Outlook : Dealing with Viruses White Paper
Email-based security attacks have existed almost as long as email has
been widely available and have caused untold damage to corporations
worldwide. This White Paper provides an overview of the email-based
virus problem, details of how various recent serious viruses operate,
statistics on how such viruses impact customers, an overview of why
Outlook/Exchange customers suffer greatly from such attacks, and information
detailing why GroupWise is a superior, secure solution.
http://www1.novell.com/resourcecenter/ext_clickthrough.jsp?contentId=7940&logType=3
GroupWise 6 QuickStart Card The Cool Solutions Card
http://www.novell.com/coolsolutions/gwmag/features/a_gw6_quick_start_card_gw.html
The Other Guys Corner
HOT - Microsoft SQL Spida Worm Propagation
Synopsis:
ISS X-Force has learned of a worm that is spreading via Microsoft SQL
servers. The Spida worm is responsible for large amounts of Internet
traffic as well as millions of TCP/IP probes at the time of this alert’s
publication. This worm attempts to locate and login to MS/SQL servers
with the "sa" account and a blank password. Once a vulnerable computer
is found, the worm will infect that target, send its configuration and
password information to an external host, and begin scanning for new
targets.
Impact:
Although the Spida worm is not destructive to the infected host, it may
generate a damaging level of network traffic when it scans for additional
targets. The scanner bundled with the worm is multi-threaded and is
capable of scanning with 100 threads. A large amount of network traffic
is created by the worm which scans both internal and external IP addresses
for vulnerable servers.
Microsoft SQL Server customers should refer to the following address
for information and securing Microsoft SQL Server:
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/techinfo/administration/2000/security.asp.
ISS Database Scanner product implemented a check for a blank administrator
password in December of 1998. Database Scanner customers are encouraged
to enable this check if they have not done so. For more information,
refer to:
http://www.iss.net/products_services/enterprise_protection/vulnerability_assessment/scanner_database.php
Testimony Highlights .Net "disarray" By Mike Ricciuti. CNET, May 10, 2002 "Testimony this week from one of Microsoft's top executives has shed light on the software giant's shifting Web services plans and internal power struggles over competing ideas." http://www1.novell.com/resourcecenter/ext_clickthrough.jsp?contentId=7966&logType=3
Persistent doubts dog Windows 2000
By John Fontana
Network World, 05/13/02
CHICAGO - Windows 2000 shipped more than two years ago, yet network
executives are still wary about the operating system, befuddled by its
Active Directory and reluctant to use the software for anything more
than basic network operations.
Microsoft's forthcoming Windows .Net Server also confuses them. That's
the rough consensus gleaned from interviews at the Windows Decisions
conference in Chicago last week, as attendees praised the reliability
of Win 2000 - especially on the desktop - but said they remain hesitant
to consider the operating system for key business applications now running
on Unix or minicomputer platforms. Network executives say their Win 2000
servers are mostly for file and print operations and directory services,
and it will remain that way until the operating system incorporates
features such as workload management that let multiple applications
run reliably on a single server.
Statistics show that Windows NT remains the dominant Windows platform.
At the end of last year, almost 60% of the 7 million Windows server
operating systems installed were NT, according to IDC. And NT is expected
to be a small yet measurable fraction of the installed base through
2006.
IDC research shows that the No. 1 use of Win 2000 is for file and print
services, with messaging the No. 2 use. Running applications on a server
environment is No. 8.
"To think about cutting out our AS/400 platform for Windows 2000 we
would need workload management and partitioning in the operating system
to support our major applications," says Tony Moncayo, network services
manager for a global apparel manufacturer. Those applications include
accounting and warehousing. "People just don't want to move those applications
off those trusted platforms."
Experts say it will be the Longhorn release of Windows - expected around
the beginning of 2005 - that introduces those types of features to support
critical applications such as accounting, manufacturing and accounts
receivable.
"We are [International Standards Organization] certified, and those
ISO applications run on Lotus Domino on the AS/400," says Rick Wofford,
IS coordinator for Hydro-Gear in Sullivan Ill., which manufactures hydrostatic
transaxles for lawn mowers. "We couldn't risk running them on NT, and
I'm not yet willing to try them on Windows 2000."
Net executives also continue to struggle with Active Directory, which
is a radical change from NT 4's domain structure.
"We spent nearly a year planning our move to Windows 2000, and Active
Directory was a major part of that planning," says Edward Rohen, IT
systems support technician for The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of
Michigan.
"Active Directory changes the corporate IT landscape and leads to political
battles that slow adoption," says IDC's Dan Kusnetzkey.
But network executives are running out of time for infighting because
support for NT ends in December 2003. That means users will have to
upgrade or run unsupported software.
Many are confused by Windows .Net Server and Microsoft's entire .Net
and Web services initiative to deliver software as a service over the
Internet.
"With Windows .Net Server I've been wondering what do we have to do
different with this. Where do we have to button this down? I understand
now what it really is is a .Net moniker on an [operating system] with
Active Directory enhancements," says Bill Snyder, a senior consultant
at Keane.
Experts classify Windows .Net Server as an incremental upgrade to Win
2000, but the .Net name leads many to think it is a major shift. Even
in the confusion, net executives are questioning if it is better to
wait for Windows .Net and skip Win 2000. That might be an effective
strategy, because any planning for Win 2000 is applicable to Windows
.Net because they are so similar.
And Gartner says by the time the majority of NT upgrades are completed,
Windows .Net Server will be the mature operating system and Win 2000
will be entering the back end of its life cycle.
Another issue facing network executives is that the server and client
are now out of sync. Windows XP shipped last fall, well ahead of its
yet-to-be-released companion Windows .Net Server. That means certain
network features are not available. The nearly 150 policy objects introduced
in XP, which can be used in conjunction with Active Directory to lock
down desktops, are unusable until the server ships.
"One of the benefits of Windows 2000 is that the servers and the clients
are built for each other," says Dean Sheley, network administrator for
Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls, S.D.
The delay in Windows .Net server also brings up another issue in that
features needed by enterprise users - such as those for Active Directory
and group policy - are not available until the entire operating system
is shipped. "One of the biggest issues is that parts of the [operating
system] need to be updated more frequently," says John Enck, vice president
and research director for Gartner. But starting with Win 2000, Microsoft
vowed not to ship features in service packs. It is now reconsidering,
observers say.
"Users can't wait two years for major releases. The big issue is how
do you update components like Active Directory," Enck says.
And the list of considerations deepens with Microsoft's complex and
often costly licensing changes, which take effect Aug. 1. The issue
is causing network executives to investigate alternatives to Microsoft
where it makes sense within their networks.
"We are looking at Linux for file and print operations," says Nathaniel
Dean, IS director for Blue Chip Venture Company in Cincinnati. "We know
that we can't leave Microsoft completely, but where we can leave it
we will." Dean says he is tracking progress of Lindows, a Linux desktop
that mimics Windows, and open source alternatives to Microsoft Office.
Copyright 2001 Network World, Inc. All rights reserved
USA Today article "Companies cringe at Microsoft licensing"
USA Today reports that "fierce resistance is brewing to Microsoft's
new software licensing program for businesses. By Aug. 1, Microsoft
will cut the 30% to 50% discount it has long granted businesses for
upgrading to the latest version of its software. Instead, it is pushing
companies into paying upfront subscription fees locking them into future
upgrades." Read more
http://www.usatoday.com/money/tech/2002-05-13-microsoft-license.htm
Education
Help Desk, Des Moines, IA
Advanced Network Technologies, Omaha, NE
Novell's Advanced eDirectory Specialist Bootcamp in Minneapolis
Novell's New Advanced Technical Training eDirectory Specialist Bootcamp
is arriving in Minneapolis on June 3! Limited seating available.
This hands-on Bootcamp is a fast-paced, comprehensive instruction on
Novell eDirectory. The date will be June 3-7, 2002. Course topics include
eDirectory architecture, design and implementation, troubleshooting
techniques, tuning, and how to leverage LDAP in an eDirectory environment.
In addition, students will see the powerful impact of eDirectory in
an enterprise environment through meta-directory integration, portal
creation, and secure authentication.
Become an eDirectory Specialist! Stay tuned for registration information. The cost of the course is $3495
per person.
Also, look for this advanced class coming to Minneapolis in June:
- NetWare 6 Advanced Technical Training - June 11-13 - $1595
Master CNE CCR (Continuing Certification Requirement) Announced
In the ever-changing IT environment, keeping your skills and credentials
current is essential. The purpose of the CCR is to keep your skills
up-to-date and ensure that your certification is valuable in the marketplace.
The CCR requirements include:
Partner Information
Novell iFolder as a High-Value Service - Product Flyer
Product Flyer Just Published! "Novell iFolder: a high-value service
for anywhere, anytime file access". Open up a new stream of revenue
by offering hosted personal file backup and access services powered
by Novell iFolder. Now small businesses and home users can have a simple,
easy-to-use file protection and disaster recovery solution.
http://www1.novell.com/resourcecenter/ext_clickthrough.jsp?contentId=7945&logType=3
Novell Mobile Productivity Channel Breakfast
Novell ZENworks for Desktops 4 is coming! It's the complete desktop
management solution for the Net generation that allows companies to
manage workstations and laptops for more users in more places--at work,
on the road, or abroad. Join us for breakfast and get a first look.
http://register.novell.com/reg/search/index.cfm?display_type=Channel&audience=Sales&et_id=407&action=results&lcode=enu
Sales Stuff----
ZENworks for Desktops Specials
There are several in effect at this time, but they all might die when
ZfD4 ships (June??). If you haven't taken advantage of a special, or
if you are not already on Upgrade Protection/Maintenance, you will probably
have to pay more for the new product. We have heard the price is increasing
with ZfD4. Just a word to people looking to save some dollars...
ZENworks Desktops/Servers Suite
Novell is pleased to announce the next revision of the ZENworks Desktops/Servers
Suite to all customers worldwide.
The updated Suite now consists of ZENworks for Desktops 3.2 and ZENworks
for Servers 3
The ZENworks Desktops/Servers (D/S) Suite provides balance, control
and confidence to make change happen. The ZENworks D/S Suite balances
the customer’s need to control IT resources, user and IT staff efficiencies,
and management costs with the need to confidently extend and personalize
business processes to employees, customers and partners.
The ZENworks Desktops/Servers Suite is directory-enabled and policy-based
to provide the highest levels of automation, personalization, security
and control. ZENworks products leverage the industry’s leading directory
service, NDS, to provide a balanced, end-to-end management solution
for user desktops and servers that host business critical information.
The ZENworks D/S Suite is comprised of the following ZENworks management
products:
NetWare 6 Upgrade Promo - Extension
Novell is pleased to announce that the "NetWare 6 Upgrade Promo" is
being extended to October 2002. This promotion offers a special discount
on NetWare 6 upgrade SKUs and Full-Term Upgrade Protection SKUs to all
VLA and CLA server concurrent connection based licensing (SCON) customers
as well as Redbox customers who purchase through the VLA program. This
promotion does NOT apply to CLA site customers.
NetWare 3 to NetWare 6 Upgrade Promotion
Novell is pleased to announce the following promotion to all VLA, CLA
customers worldwide.
The “NetWare 3 to NetWare 6 Upgrade Promotion” offers a special discount
on a bundle of an upgrade from NetWare 3 to NetWare 6 and Annual Upgrade
Protection. It is priced similar to the upgrade SKUs for the “NetWare
6 Upgrade Promotion” but adds in the extra value of annual upgrade protection
at no additional cost. VLA and CLA customers may order the SKU using
normal procedures, Redbox customers may order through either the VLA
or CLA licensing programs.
Professional Resource Suite
Novell is pleased to announce the Novell Professional Resource Suite*.
This comprehensive subscription includes all of Novell's Product Toolkits*,
plus the complete Novell Software Evaluation Library* and the Novell
Support Resource Library* (replacing the Novell Support Connection*
CD). Use these resources to rapidly address technical issues without
a call to Novell. Everything you need to make the most of your Novell
products is available online and updated monthly on CD by annual subscription.
Taken as a complete solution, the Novell Professional Resource Suite
is the ultimate technical resource for serious Novell professionals.
A Single and Server License is available. The Professional Resource
Suite comes with the Novell Software Evaluation Library. A separate
license agreement for the Novell Software Evaluation Library will be
included in the package.
Customers who purchase this product from a Distributor will receive
an Activation Kit, containing an Activation Card. The customer must
activate the subscription online at http://support.novell.com/subscriptions
or by faxing in the form on the Activation Card before receiving updates.
After the subscription has been activated, the customer will receive
a Welcome Kit in approximately one week. Update Kits will be shipped
monthly for the duration of the subscription. Subscriptions are for
one year.
All subscription queries should be sent to subscriptions@novell.com.
Administration Information:
Trouble Incident Escalation
I am NOT a Tech Support person... But, if you have an open support incident
and it has been open for an unusually long period of time, one of my
functions is to help escalate the issue inside Novell Tech Support. I
will decide what the 'unusually long period of time' is... If you have
a support contract, your issue should be resolved within days (resolved;
depending on the level of the support contract, someone should contact
you within minutes/hours to start working on it.) Without a support contract,
you might face hours/days of waiting before tech support can address
your call. So, if you feel you need assistance, send me an e-mail describing
the incident, the incident number, and who to contact. If you don't have
an open incident, don't get me involved until you do.
How to Get Tech Support
Want to see how some of our solutions work?
Check them out at the on-line demo city... http://democity.novell.com/staticindex.html
Due a Software Upgrade?
Here is how the process works.... You should receive an e-mail from Novell
Sales Operations stating you are entitled, as an upgrade protection customer,
the next upgrade for product XYZ... You should then go to the upgrade request
site at www.novell.com/licensing/upgfulfill
and fill in the appropriate lines and information. Your upgrade should then
be shipped second day.... BUT turnaround time is dependent on when the product
is actually available for FCS (First Customer Ship), which could be days or
weeks after the actual product announcement. If you are then having problems,
please let your IA/NE Novell team know so we can get involved.
Previous Editions of this E-Blast
Have you missed previous editions of this newsletter? Want to read them?
Thanks to the CINP (Central Iowa Network Professionals), they have posted
them all at http://www.cinp.net, click on News...
Unsubscribing
If you do NOT want to continue to receive this e-mail blast, please send
an e-mail to
jbezy@novell.com,
with 'unsubscribe e-mail blast' (without the quotes) in the subject line,
and you will be removed from the list.
Subscribing
If other people in your organization not directly receiving this e-mail
blast wish to do so, have them send an e-mail to
jbezy@novell.com,
with 'subscribe e-mail blast' (without the quotes) in the subject line,
and they will be added to the list.
Changing Addresses
If you need to change your e-mail address, send an e-mail to
jbezy@novell.com
with 'change e-mail blast' (without the quotes) in the subject line,
and your address will be changed. We like to keep track of Novell users.
We recognize there is frequent turnover in the networking business, so
if you are changing jobs, please drop me a line....
Disclaimer:
Information contained herein is provided as-is. Opinions are those of
the author and may or may not be the same as those of Novell, and are definitely
NOT attributable to Novell unless otherwise noted.
John Bezy
Technology Account Manager
Iowa/Nebraska
ph: (402) 291-1808
eFax: (561) 760-6149
fax: (402) 291-4529
Novell-the leading provider of
Net Services Software
www.novell.com
jbezy@novell.com
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