Novell Demonstrates Innovative NDS-based Internet Management Technology at
COMDEX
Cisco and Novell to provide Novell Directory Services Interoperability with Cisco Routers
and Switches
COMDEX, LAS VEGAS November 18, 1998 Continuing its leadership in
directory-enabled networking, Novell®, Inc.(NASDAQ: NOVL), today demonstrated newly
developed Internet management technology based on Novell Directory Services® (NDS)
that facilitates management and remote configuration of routers and switches from Lucent Technologies,
Nortel Networks, Cisco Systems, Inc. and other vendors. Leveraging the intelligence of NDS and its user
and resource data, this Java technology can enable customers to reduce network ownership costs while
improving manageability and the quality of network service. Cisco, recognizing overwhelming customer
demand, made a related announcement today of their commitment to provide interoperability between
NDS and Cisco Assure products, Cisco User Registration and Tracking and Cisco Network Registrar.
This follows recent announcements with Lucent Technologies and Nortel Networks, in which the two
companies committed to deliver similar interoperability and to also bundle NDS with their respective
products in the first half of 1999.
"This new directory technology will be the basis for entirely new products, markets and means of doing
business throughout the industry for years to come," said Christopher Stone, senior vice president,
strategy and corporate development for Novell. "With NDS, Novell has long been the leader in directory
technology. Demonstrating the reality of directory-enabled networking, as only Novell has, is a critical
step in advancing that movement in the industry today."
Novell's technology demonstration at COMDEX, a proof-of-concept for directory-based hardware
management, consists of a Java agent for routers and switches enabling NDS to communicate with and
configure the equipment. This technology allows network administrators to remotely configure virtually
any router. For instance, a router in a branch office can be upgraded or replaced without having an
administrator on-site. Among other potential uses for this technology are user identity-based auditing,
management, billing and quality of service applications for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and
telecommunications carriers. Such capabilities are also known as provisioning.
Beyond this, Novell's technology enables the centralized management and configuration of network
hardware infrastructure through a simple Graphical User Interface (GUI). It can improve network
reliability and reduce administration costs, particularly in remote offices, by providing remote control of
routers, auto-discovery of router configuration, and remote auto-reboot or fault recovery of routers for
automated system-wide upgrades or other maintenance. Each of these capabilities apply to existing
hardware and to new systems as well. Similar functionality based on NDS is slated for inclusion in future
Novell products.
In addition, Novell's technology allows customers to define and apply policies to the network based on
their business needs and priorities, ensuring that network resources are used accordingly. Basing such
policies on user identity or other objects as defined in NDS, makes it possible to apply them regardless of
the user's location or IP address. Wherever a user logs in or wherever they access a key application,
appropriate security and high-quality network performance are assured. Such integration between the
physical network and directory-enabled software greatly reduces the costs associated with managing
both.
Open Standards
Continuing the company's commitment to open industry standards, Novell's technology demonstration is
a cross-platform agent based on Java and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), LDAP
extensions, Common Information Model (CIM) for directories and the proposed Directory Enabled
Networks (DEN) specification. In fact, Novell is the only vendor shipping or demonstrating product
implementations in all three areas of the DEN initiative including NDS-enabled Internet address
management, dial-up networking and quality-of-service (QOS) network management. In addition, Cisco
and Novell have committed to collaborate on directory-related standards for optimal interoperability.
LDAP is the industry standard protocol for access to directories. DEN is the Desktop Management Task
Force's (DMTF) proposed specification for directory schema - or directory definition - of network
equipment, such as routers and switches, in a directory service. In addition, Novell continually works to
improve customers' ability to easily integrate heterogeneous private networks with the Internet by
actively supporting Internet Protocol (IP), Domain Name Server/Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
(DNS/DHCP), and Remote Authentication Dial-in User Service (RADIUS) standards.
Availability
The technologies being demonstrated at COMDEX will become the basis for new product offerings or
product enhancements from Novell available within approximately the next 18 months. No further details
are currently available. Lucent and Nortel Networks will bundle and integrate NDS with the Cajun P550
switch and Bay Network's Optivity Policy Services respectively by the second quarter of 1999. Cisco
plans to offer NDS integration with Cisco Assure, Cisco Network Registrar and Cisco User Registration
and Tracking in the second quarter of 1999.
About Novell Directory Services
Novell's directory technology, NDS, is the world's leading directory service. It is the unifying,
cross-platform infrastructure for managing, securing, accessing and developing to all the major
components of a network. NDS supports more APIs, tools, standards and protocols than any other
directory service. The advanced functionality in NDS offers a strong development foundation for
delivering secure, manageable network applications. The market-proven and powerful structure of NDS
streamlines administrative tasks to minimize management time and expense.
About Novell
Novell, Inc. (NASDAQ:NOVL) is the world's largest network software company and the leader in
directory-enabled network solutions. Novell solutions make networks more manageable and secure and
reduce the total cost of ownership for organizations of every kind and size. Novell's worldwide channel,
developer, education and technical support programs are the most extensive in the network computing
industry.
For information on Novell's complete range of products and services, contact Novell's Customer
Response Center at (888) 321-4CRC (4272), or visit Novell's Web site at www.novell.com. Press may access Novell announcements and
company information on the World Wide Web at www.novell.com/pressroom.
Novell, NetWare and Novell Directory Services are registered trademarks and NDS is a trademark of
Novell, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Press Contacts:
Katrina Larson
Novell, Inc.
Phone: (801) 861-5593
Internet: kalarson@novell.com