IBM has announced the availability of Novell Network Services for OS/390, the S/390`s flagship operating system. This no-charge operating system feature brings the S/390 Parallel Enterprise Server`s leading mission critical availability and system management facilities to customers who need to manage large numbers of networked PC users. Novell Network Services for OS/390 incorporates Novell Directory Services (NDS) Version 4. It requires installation of the OS/390 Security Server.
"With today`s industry trend toward server consolidation, customers are realizing the benefits of using their S/390 enterprise servers to integrate their LAN data serving functions," said David R. Carlucci, general manager, S/390 Division. "This integration can help reduce operational costs and exploit the data access, integrity, management, back-up and recovery capabilities of the S/390. Using Novell Network Services for OS/390 can help simplify this integration and management."
Novell Network Services for OS/390 is a distributed service based on Novell`s multiplatform directory technology, NDS, that stores information about hardware and software resources available within a given network, whether the resources reside on corporate networks, intranets or the Internet. NDS for OS/390 can help businesses reduce IT costs and consolidate their PC-based directory servers on the S/390 platform and can help system administrators better manage their networks.
"We are thrilled that a partner with the strength of IBM id delivering on the integration of NDS with their S/390 server lines," said Novell corporate business strategist Stafford Masie. "This now extends the power of the directory to yet another major network community, raising the bar within the directory space. Partner endorsement of this calibre extends NDS to a point where it has become the de facto directory delivering on key cross platform integration requirements customers have today. Clients and ISV`s want a `battle tested` standards based solution in the directory space, not a promise of something shipping in the future, and with all this action happening around NDS, it`s a great time for Novell and our customers."
Under a previously announced agreement with Novell, IBM is licensed to build products based on current and future versions of NDS. Novell Network Services for OS/390 can help customers simplify and reduce the cost of network administration, which has been identified by some industry analysts as the most costly part of network ownership.
The use of directory technology will allow multiple mainframe, UNIX and LAN system networks to be treated as a single entity, helping to reduce the complexity for users and administrators and lowering the cost of networking for businesses. In addition, Novell Network Services for OS/390 integration can provide a convenient upgrade path for customers.
Novell Network Services for OS/390 is separately orderable at no additional charge with OS/390 Version 2, Release 6 and higher for customers with the OS/390 Security Server feature. IBM plans to make it generally available February 26.
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