New Novell Solution Eliminates Barriers to Database Access on Multivendor Networks
Novell SQL Integrator for NetWare Also Eases Inter-Database Application
Development
PROVO, Utah March 17, 1998 Novell, Inc. today announced Novell SQL
Integrator for NetWare, a database management solution that enables customers to access
information
stored in multiple databases distributed across diverse platforms on business networks, intranets,
and the
Internet. Novell SQL Integrator leverages the manageability and scalability of NetWare, the
leading
server platform for intelligent network solutions, by making it fast and efficient for customers to
access
network-based data, regardless of its location, database type or platform. The new Novell
solution also
simplifies database application development by eliminating the need to create the complex
"joins" that
enable applications to access data from disparate databases.
Novell SQL Integrator for NetWare, now in beta testing, will be available in May under a
licensing
agreement between Santa Barbara-based B2 Systems and Novell, Inc. Based on B2's proven
technology,
the solution interoperates with thousands of database solutions based on SQL, Open Database
Connectivity (ODBC) or Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) standards, including such leading
databases
as Oracle, Informix, Microsoft SQL Server, and Sybase.
"We've been using SQL Integrator technology with up to 150 concurrent users, and it has given
them
access to information they otherwise would not have," said Jeff Kingston, director of information
systems for Massachusetts-based clothing manufacturer Petra Fashions. "We are able to deliver
DBMS-
based applications much faster, and the applications are giving us a lot more of the data we need
to see.
Having this technology available as a NetWare process will add a great deal to Novell's position
in the
database management arena."
"We have seen our technology improve end-user efficiency by providing better access to data in
a more
useful context, which enables better decision-making," said Richard Bassin, president and
founder of B2.
"Making it available on a superior server operating system such as NetWare means that more
customer
sites can expect to reap the benefits of more efficient access to all the information they need
regardless of
type or location."
Streamlining Database Development
As Internet reliance continues to grow among corporate users, databases that track a wide range
of
information are becoming more important, especially as more large organizations implement
enterprise-
wide intranets and extranets. Novell SQL Integrator for NetWare provides these customers with
transparent access to data, as well as greater flexibility in developing new ways to
cross-reference data.
For example, a customer database can track customer preferences, while an inventory database,
running
on a different platform, can cross-reference that information.
Novell SQL Integrator for NetWare shortens development cycles for these cross-platform,
distributed
solutions by eliminating the need to create inter-database hooks. Novell SQL Integrator for
NetWare
transparently creates those hooks using standard APIs like ODBC and JDBC. Developers can
also write
applications that communicate directly with the SQL Integrator API.
"Database services are an important component of Novell's strategy to provide the leading server
platform for intelligent network solutions," said Christopher Stone, Novell senior vice president
of
strategy and corporate development. "Novell SQL Integrator fits perfectly into Novell's Open
Solutions
Architecture by allowing developers to leverage NetWare and other Novell services in solutions
that can
access multiple databases located anywhere on the network. The resulting solutions combine the
speed,
scalability, and manageability of NetWare and Novell Directory Services (NDS) with unimpeded
access
to network information."
Pricing and Availability
Novell SQL Integrator for NetWare will be available through Novell distributor and reseller
partners as
well as through licensing agreements in May 1998. It is currently in beta testing. Demonstrations
and free
beta copies will be available for attendees of BrainShare '98 in Salt Lake City, March 22-27.
Pricing for
the server multi-join license with five user connections will be US $6,495. Additional user
connections will be $95.
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, as well as the network computing industry's most comprehensive education
and
technical support programs. Information about Novell and its 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 and Novell SQL Integrator is a trademark of
Novell, Inc.
All other registered trademarks and trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Press Contacts:
Laura Kvinge
Novell, Inc.
Phone: (801) 222-4029
Internet: lkvinge@novell.com
Danielle Epstein
Cunningham Communication, Inc.
Phone: (650) 858-3745
Internet: depstein@ccipr.com
Keith Toleman
B2 Systems, Inc.
Phone: (408) 979-0726
Internet: ktoleman@b2systems.com