Many companies today maintain offices across the country or across the world. Your company might have both large and small offices that require essential network services such as network authentication, application access, printing, and data storage.
Novell® NterpriseTM Branch OfficeTM is a complete software appliance that is installed to a dedicated server at each branch office site. It can be configured to communicate with another server at the central office which can be used to synchronize data and other network resources between the central and branch offices.
Once deployed, Nterprise Branch Office improves service to your company's branch offices while maintaining centralized control over them, which allows a reduction of up to 10 percent of IT costs.
Unlike other Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) appliances, Nterprise Branch Office simplifies directory management, eliminates onsite IT staff, automates branch office file replication, and leverages low-cost Internet connections. This is done by leveraging the services best provided by the central office IT staff (security, management, and file replication) and moving the services users need most (authentication, file access, and printing) to the Branch Office appliance.
This chapter introduces you to how the Nterprise Branch Office works and includes the following sections: