Overview

The file service components in NNLS include the following:

• Novell iFolder: Provides a Web- and network-based repository (iFolder^® server) that stores master copies of locally accessible files on the NNLS server.
• Samba on NNLS: Provides Windows (CIFS and HTTP-WebDAV) access to files stored on the NNLS server's file system.
• Novell NetStorage: Is installed as part of Virtual Office and provides network and Web access to various file services, including NetWare^®, iFolder, and Samba services.

  NOTE:  NetStorage provides only access to other file services. It doesn't provide direct file services.

The file service components in NNLS are mutually compatible---you can install one or more of them on the same NNLS server.

Using the File Services Overviews

The graphical overviews in the following sections introduce each NNLS file service component.

If you don't want to take time to review each graphic, you can decide now which components to install by viewing the information in Deciding Which Components Match Your Needs in the Planning section. You can then either return to the overviews of the components you have chosen or continue in Planning Instructions.

If you prefer visual presentations, continue with these graphical file service overviews before deciding which ones to install in Planning Instructions.

Novell iFolder

Novell iFolder provides a Web- and network-based repository (iFolder server) that stores master copies of locally accessible files.

You can have iFolder components automatically synchronize changes made to local files with those on the iFolder server. You can also let users map drives directly to the iFolder server using Novell NetDrive (located on the Novell Nterprise Linux Services 1.0 Companion CD).

Figure 3 illustrates how the iFolder product works.

Figure 3
How iFolder Works

iFolder offers other access options and features not shown in this graphic, including

• Web browser access (no iFolder Client required).
• Pocket PC Web browser access (no iFolder Client required).
• Concurrent access to multiple iFolder accounts.
• Collaborative access to a single iFolder account.
• Thin-client support.

For more overview information on iFolder, NetDrive, and other features, see the

• Novell iFolder 2.1 Installation and Administration Guide
• Novell NetDrive 4.1 User Guide
• Novell iFolder 2.1 User Guide

Samba on NNLS

Samba on NNLS provides Windows (CIFS and HTTP-WebDAV) access to files stored on the NNLS server.

Users can access their files on the NNLS server using any CIFS/SMB client (such as Windows Explorer) or through the Web Folders feature in Windows Explorer and the Internet Explorer browser.

Figure 4 illustrates how Samba on NNLS works.

Figure 4
How Samba on NNLS Works

Because Samba is an open source initiative, more overview information is available on the Web. In addition to Linux, Samba initiatives provide support for other platforms such as Apple* Computer's operating systems. See Additional Information.

Novell NetStorage

NetStorage is installed as part of Virtual Office and provides Web-based access to network-based file storage.

Initially, the NetStorage solution can appear to be quite complex. However, if you understand the problems it addresses, it is actually quite straight-forward and easy to set up and use.

Common Network File Storage Problems

Most network users have one or more preferred methods for accessing and storing their files. Many large networks contain diverse file storage systems that need to be protected from unauthorized access.

These information-age realities lead to the problems illustrated in the following figure.

Figure 5
Common Network File Storage Problems

The NetStorage Solution

With Novell NetStorage, users can access and maintain their files on various types of storage systems from various access points, as illustrated in the following figure.

Figure 6
How NetStorage Works

For more detailed information about NetStorage, see the NetStorage Administration Guide.