Novell Announces Industry-First Implementation Of Draft Java Naming and Directory Interface
API
Early Access Implementation of JNDI to be Delivered at Novell's BrainShare '97
NEW YORK, New York -- March 10, 1997 -- Novell, Inc. announced availability of its
early implementation of the Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI), an open
Java application programming interface (API). This technology leverages Java's "Write Once, Run
Anywhere" capability, supporting a new class of directory-enabled applications and unleashing the
power of the network. JNDI will enable applications written in Java to access information on network users
and resources for multiple network naming and directory services, including Novell Directory
Services (NDS). Utilizing NDS and JNDI, customers are able to build applications that
span location and time, making people dramatically more productive and connected to their work.
In concert with this endeavor, Novell will demonstrate its early implementation of JNDI later this month at
its BrainShare '97 technical conference. JNDI enables applications to access user and resource
information from NDS as well as from Sun Microsystems, IBM, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Netscape and
Microsoft naming and directory systems. JNDI delivers an open approach to easily bring together disparate
network naming and directory offerings.
"JNDI gives developers the power of a uniform, well-designed programming model to navigate practically
any set of name spaces or directories," said Mike MacKay, Novell vice president of corporate architecture.
"High functionality directory services, such as Novell's NDS, become even more powerful through JNDI
because they are fully integrated with the entire network. JNDI and NDS provide the ideal foundation for
creating the new generation of applications that will truly realize the network as the workplace. We are
providing technology that supports the essentials of business -- people and their work."
As the industry's leading directory service with more than 17 million users, NDS provides an opportunity
for developers to expand their business and build applications for Novell IntranetWare, Sun
Solaris, Microsoft Windows NT and leading UNIX implementations. In addition, NDS has been
endorsed as a preferred directory service by major industry leaders, including Sun, HP and The Santa Cruz
Operation (SCO). JNDI delivers "Write Once, Run Anywhere" capabilities to the NDS cross-platform
customer base.
"We're pleased that Novell has been such a strong collaborator in helping us define this open JNDI
specification," said Jim Mitchell, vice president of technology and architecture, JavaSoft. "Novell has been
a terrific leader in this process, working cooperatively with other industry leaders to bring the benefits of
universal access to directory services on all major operating platforms through Java. Directory services will
create new ways for Java applications to dynamically discover, access, manage and define relationships
with greater ease."
"The combination of Java and Novell Directory Services will translate into huge cost and time savings for
my company," said Tom Bowers, vice president for PC services of Advanced Computer Services. "We are
focused on mainframe-to-PC connectivity. Java's cross-platform capabilities allow us to connect these two
systems efficiently and cost-effectively. With the integration between Java and NDS through JNDI, I will
be able to see what's available on the network and localize these connectivity activities, saving our clients
significant administration and management costs. This announcement will make my life easier and the
performance of our connectivity solutions even better."
"We have been looking for ways to bring intranet and Internet applications into our existing NDS world,"
said Don Ramsey, network administrator for Kettering Medical Center. "Because we are a hospital and
handle confidential medical documents we have stringent security requirements for our applications.
Bringing Java and NDS together through JNDI should deliver the level of authentication that is crucial for
the further development of our applications while allowing us to leverage our existing IntranetWare
investment."
JNDI for NDS Availability
Novell is a supporter of the 100% Pure Java initiative and will continue to be a leader in pioneering
open network standards for the benefit of the Java industry. Novell will demonstrate an early release of
JNDI-based implementation access to NDS and will make it available to developers at BrainShare '97.
BrainShare '97, Novell's premier technical conference, will be held March 24-28 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
For the latest information on Novell's implementation of JNDI, please visit Novell's DeveloperNet
Web site at http://developer.novell.com/net2000/java. To register
for BrainShare, please visit the Novell BrainShare Web site at http://brainshare.novell.com.
About Novell
Founded in 1983, Novell (NASDAQ: NOVL) is the world's leading provider of network software. The
company offers a wide range of network solutions for distributed network, Internet, intranet and small-
business markets. Novell education and technical support programs are the most comprehensive in the
network computing industry. Information about Novell's complete range of products and services can be
accessed on the World Wide Web at http://www.novell.com.
Novell is a registered trademark and BrainShare, DeveloperNet, IntranetWare, NDS and Novell Directory
Services are trademarks of Novell. All other companies and products are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
Press Contacts:
Gordon Evans
Novell, Inc.
(408) 577-6371
Internet: gmevans@novell.com
Kim Nguyen
Cunningham Communication, Inc.
(415) 858-3776
Internet: kimn@ccipr.com
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