Novell GroupWise Security and Directory Integration Key for Colorado Access

PROVO, Utah — Aug. 15, 2001 — Colorado Access, a nonprofit health plan for over 150,000 medically under served Coloradans, has chosen Novell Net services software, to provide improved collaboration for its internal network of healthcare professionals. Colorado Access leveraged the expertise of Novell Platinum PartnerNet integrator, Lewan & Associates, along with Novell Consulting to upgrade and streamline management for its internal e-mail and collaboration systems. To accelerate the new system's effectiveness, BrainStorm, a Novell Education partner, was brought in to train users on GroupWise.

Replacing Unsupported System
Colorado Access was faced with a problem common to customers using Lotus cc:Mail. Software support for that product was being phased out, increasing downtime and raising management costs for the outdated system. After reviewing the options available, a Novell GroupWise based solution was determined to offer the lowest costs of ownership and the smoothest transition available for an operating environment using NetWare, Windows NT, Solaris, HP UX, and Linux. Utilizing the existing installation of Novell NDS eDirectory to secure and manage user account information, Lewan & Associates, with input from Novell Consulting, developed a strategy for rapid rollout of the upgrade with minimum user interruption. The result was a total transfer of data and user account information over a couple of weekends with virtually no downtime for users.

Net Ready and Secure
This Novell solution eliminated the need to update multiple databases of user and scheduling information. It offered seamless integration and strong authentication to secure remote user access via the Internet. The encryption and directory capabilities of GroupWise gave the customer confidence that they have taken positive steps to secure sensitive data as required by the forthcoming Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). To ensure that all users were comfortable with the new GroupWise system, BrainStorm delivered training to system users over a two-week period. The GroupWise solution, integrated with other Net services software including NetWare, ZENworks for Desktops, and Novell NDS eDirectory provided the customer with the fastest, most reliable and secure system available.

"Our goal was to provide a smooth transition with minimum downtime for our employees. We are pleased with the speed of the transition," said Scot Stevens, manager of information technology for Colorado Access. "Employee satisfaction with Novell and GroupWise is high and we can now collaborate more effectively with lower cost to manage the system."

Novell's Net services software, combined with the on-the-ground expertise and local support of Novell's channel partners, offers a compelling option for small and medium-sized businesses who want to move their businesses to the Net without the security, reliability, and cost nightmares such a move can entail.

Press Contacts:
John Pilmer
Novell, Inc.
Phone: (801) 861-2925
E-mail: jpilmer@novell.com