Press Release

Novell Ships IntranetWare HostPublisher

Novell Web-to-Host Connectivity Solution for Mainframes Available for Free Evaluation

PROVO, Utah -- November 4, 1997 -- Novell today shipped its first release of IntranetWare™ HostPublisher, a connectivity solution that expands access to applications and data on IBM mainframes to anyone using a Web browser. IntranetWare HostPublisher is an "out of the box" solution that ships complete with Novell Web Server 3.1™ and Netscape Navigator 4.02, allowing customers to instantly deploy the system. IntranetWare HostPublisher will be available for a free evaluation through January 31, 1998, by downloading it from Novell's Web site.

Corporations are rapidly deploying intranets and browser technology to provide end users with access to more information at a lower cost. However, according to leading industry analyst research, nearly 75 percent of all corporate data is still stored on mainframe computers rather than local area networks. IntranetWare HostPublisher provides a secure, manageable way to integrate the two environments and saves significant software acquisition costs by reducing the need for terminal emulation software on each desktop.

"IntranetWare HostPublisher is saving The SABRE Group significant amounts of money at the desktop compared to 3270 emulation packages," said John Bamforth, development director at The SABRE Group, an industry leader of technology travel systems. "We have customized our page and made accessing our mainframe systems much easier and more usable for our employees. Training time has been reduced, because anyone who can use a Web browser can now perform high level job functions. The performance of IntranetWare HostPublisher is outstanding and another reason we have committed to the product."

Browser-based Access Addresses Market Need

Acting as a bridge between NetWare for SAA 2.2 and the Novell Web Server 3.1., IntranetWare HostPublisher translates 3270 mainframe data streams into HTML pages, allowing organizations to securely publish critical mainframe information on the corporate intranet, reducing software and administrative costs. IntranetWare HostPublisher delivers high performance, supporting up to 500 sessions per server due to IntranteWare's optimized environment for hosting intranet applications.

"IntranetWare HostPublisher is the perfect solution for combining the two worlds of legacy data and intranet Web technology," says Glenn Ricart, chief technology officer for Novell. "Novell is committed to helping our customers save money and get real work done through the intranet. We understand how crucial legacy data is to the enterprise and how important it is to leverage existing intranet investments to access and secure that data."

NDS Combines With Additional Security to Protect Corporate Information

IntranetWare HostPublisher includes extensive security to protect critical mainframe information. As users access applications and data on the host, the following technologies offer customers highly effective data protection:

  • NDS allows administrators to control access with user/password authentication. Access privileges are defined through a single point of administration, simplifying management and lowering overall administrative costs
  • Secure Sockets Layer 3.0 (SSL 3.0), a technology included in Novell Web Server 3.1 encrypts data between the Web server and browsers using digital certificates (also known as public or private keys). Such certificates ensure that data is not intercepted during the transmission
  • IP address checking ensures session integrity, guaranteeing that only authorized users view information during a mainframe session

Customization Features Bring Web Look and Feel to Host Data

IntranetWare HostPublisher includes extensive customization facilities, allowing the display and input of host data to be tailored for individual or departmental requirements. Java Script™ support enables customized client front-ends to be automatically downloaded from the Web server at the time of execution. These front-ends provide a user-friendly Web interface, shielding end-users from traditional text-oriented screens and allowing automation of repetitive tasks such as user logons. Additionally, the integrated HLLAPI support provides a programmable interface directly to 3270 data stream, offering more sophisticated customization. All tailored features are centrally administered, simplifying management and reducing administrative costs.

Product Availability/Pricing

The IntranetWare HostPublisher is available now through Novell's worldwide sales channel. Call 1-888-321-4272 to locate a local authorized Novell reseller. Users can download a free copy of IntranetWare HostPublisher on the World Wide Web from the HostPublisher web site. The evaluation period lasts until January 31, 1998.

Pricing for IntranetWare HostPublisher is $495 for 10 users, $2,195 for 50 users and $9,495 for a 250 user license. The licensing is additive, up to 500 users per server. (All prices listed are in U.S. dollars, MSRP.)

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 and NetWare are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc., IntranetWare, NDS, Novell Directory Services and Novell Web Server are trademarks of Novell, Inc. All other company or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Press Contacts:
Jason Werner
Novell, Inc.
Phone: (801) 861-4009
Internet: jwerner@novell.com

Nan Stillinger
Cunningham Communication, Inc.
Phone: (415) 858-3772
Internet: nstillinger@ccipr.com