Novell has unveiled its solution for helping customers link business data for easy use in electronic business applications. Novell has demonstrated, for the first time, a new software solution called DirXML. Extending the capabilities of Novell Directory Services (NDS) 8, this new solution seamlessly links and manages all the places where business and network information is stored. This includes software applications, network operating systems, databases and network devices.
This is the first solution based on a directory that not only brings all data together, but also keeps control of the information with the individual departments that own the data. DirXML will connect all data without the need to modify existing software, allowing companies to build on their existing technology investments.
Novell has received outstanding industry support for DirXML from partner companies including Bowstreet, Bulletproof Corporation, Compaq Computer Corporation, enCommerce Inc., Entrust Technologies Inc., HAHT Software, Intracus, ISOCOR, Netegrity, NetPro, Oblix Inc., Unimax Systems Corporation.
"DirXML is more than a standard meta-directory -- it eliminates the barrier between e-business and enterprise directories," said Novell product and SE manager James Stewart. "As opposed to existing offerings, Novell`s DirXML uses XML to make it easy to support all data sources including ERP systems and meta-directory solutions from other vendors. Our goal is to connect all the data on the network to enable enterprise companies to expand their electronic business opportunities."
"Novell has taken a unique and innovative approach with its meta-directory solution," said Jamie Lewis, president of the Burton Group. "DirXML increases the number of roles NDS can play in an enterprise directory infrastructure by giving customers more flexibility when it comes to deployment. And because Novell used XML as a foundation element in its meta-directory architecture, customers and developers can also integrate directories and applications in important ways, leveraging NDS as a part of directory-enabled and e-business solutions."
A directory stores and manages user identity, network and application information on a computer network. According to the industry analyst firm The Burton Group, most large corporations have at least 100 directories and software applications where data is stored, including human resources databases, corporate e-mail address books, computer account databases and phone extension listings. Many of these applications contain the same information, causing administrators to duplicate efforts as they maintain the data integrity, consistency and accuracy of the various directories. DirXML will allow companies to automate business processes by sharing and reusing the common data between various application directories, saving time and money.
With DirXML, companies will be able to automate current business processes by storing their business data in the directory and allowing customers, partners and suppliers to access certain existing data based on security rights defined in the directory.
DirXML makes it easy for companies to define which business data in their enterprise can be accessed by electronic business applications. Most importantly, DirXML gives e-business applications access to a rich set of business data and paves the way for a new generation of directory-based electronic business applications.
DirXML will go beyond connecting systems -- which is what typical meta-directories aim to do. Existing meta-directory products are immature, difficult to implement and often use proprietary connector technology. DirXML eliminates barriers between directories so companies can rely on NDS to manage relationships between all the information in the directory and electronic business applications.
Customers and application developers will not be required to learn proprietary software programming languages to implement DirXML. Novell`s solution allows each database owner, such as the human resources department, to maintain their database and keep the information secure and accurate.
Since DirXML is based on the widely adopted open industry standard eXtensible Markup Language (XML), it will be simple to implement, inexpensive to deploy and easy to integrate for application developers. XML is widely used as an Internet programming language for developing Web pages, and can also serve as a common language for network data, providing diverse applications with a common frame of reference.
By utilising XML, Novell`s DirXML will enable companies to connect multiple databases and applications without the need to modify their existing software -- thereby getting the most out of their technology investments.
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