Novell has announced availability of intraNetWare for SAA 3, a LAN-to-Host connectivity solution that integrates IBM host resources with local area NetWare networks. The new product reduces the time and cost of managing host connectivity, improves overall network performance and gives users more reliable access to applications and data stored on IBM mainframe computers and AS/400 systems. By including enhanced TCP/IP and SNA support, the product also allows companies to adopt new Internet technologies without sacrificing connectivity capabilities or investments in their existing host systems and SNA networks. IntraNetWare for SAA 3 includes the enhanced intraNetWare HostPrint 2, enabling users to print mainframe documents directly to networked printers. HostPrint 2 is now completely integrated with Novell Directory Services, which reduces overall management costs by providing a single point of administration for host printing resources. The complete host connectivity product family by Novell and IBM is the only directory-enabled gateway solution on the market, offering users a significant administrative advantage over competing solutions. Easy Management of Host-Connectivity With intraNetWare for SAA 3, network managers enjoy simplified administration and increased flexibility in how they manage host connectivity. The new product adds enhanced SNA protocol support, including Advanced Peer-to-Peer Network Node and End Node communication, to dramatically decrease the amount of network definition required on the host computer and the gateway. In addition, NDS-integration makes administration easy by providing a central point where gateway management and client configuration can occur. New Web browser-based administration and a stand-alone software configuration utility give administrators the flexibility to oversee the gateway regardless of location. "Novell and IBM are working together to make networking more manageable for customers," says Stafford Masie, product marketing manager Novell SA. "The powerful combination of Novell`s proven NDS directory technology and prevailing Internet standards integrate management of NetWare and SNA environments in a way that brings total value to customers` networks." This version of intraNetWare for SAA improves overall network and gateway performance through enhanced TCP/IP protocol support. Service Location Protocol, an IETF standards-track protocol developed for Novell NetWare 5, improves performance by simplifying discovery of gateways in TCP/IP environments. SLP consumes significantly less network bandwidth when compared to the IPX-based Service Advertising Protocol (SAP), freeing the network for other computing needs and easing WAN management. Additionally, third party vendors are adopting SLP to provide sophisticated load balancing capabilities that optimise performance of the end user`s host connection and ensure continuous access to host resources. Reliable Access to Mainframe Resources In intraNetWare for SAA 3, IBM and Novell enable more reliable access to legacy applications and data, allowing customers to preserve their mainframe investment while enjoying increased confidence in its performance. For example, enhanced TCP/IP support enables roll-over capabilities that redirect clients to an alternate gateway in the event of server failure. In addition, new APPN Network Node and End Node support, along with High Performance Routing capabilities, enable faster, more persistent access to mission-critical resources.
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