Open-standard solutions help Quebec-based institution save time, money and resources
MARKHAM, Ontario — November 7, 2001 — Novell Canada, a leader in eBusiness solutions and Net services software, today announced Collège Mérici, a Quebec-based private educational institution, has chosen Novell DirXML to enhance the efficiency of its administrative services and student record management. DirXML, which enables universal connections between applications, data stores and network platforms across technical and organizational boundaries, will help Mérici disseminate student information to all internal departments including library, finances and human resources, ensuring timely and consistent information updates and sharing.
Increase Efficiency with DirXML
"As a Novell customer for over a decade, we have found its proven NetWare platform exceptionally robust and reliable," said Richard Raymond, Technology Consultant, Mérici. “With DirXML added to our existing infrastructure, Mérici can now link together different data sources, creating significant savings by sharing and synchronizing data. Moreover, reducing multiple updates from various sources will allow us to minimize human error."
Mérici opted for Novell’s DirXML solution in order to ensure all student-record information is distributed to departments that require the data, in whole or in part. With DirXML, Mérici will be able to immediately and automatically assign students with ID and network access codes, allowing them to access computer services such as the Internet, work applications and equipment resources like printers.
“We are delighted Collège Mérici has selected Novell for the deployment of its new student-record management solution,” says Don Chapman, vice president and general manager of Novell Canada. “At a time when educational institutions are facing budget restrictions, our Net services software allow Mérici to improve their administrative efficiencies as well as save time, money and IT resources, ensuring an immediate return on investment.”
Novell DirXML’s Cross-platform Capability
DirXML 1.0 leverages Novell eDirectory, Novell's full-service, secure directory infrastructure, and incorporates Extensible Markup Language (XML). XML is a leading open-standard for communicating data from one application to another in a manner that preserves the native language of each application. The end result of adding DirXML to network infrastructures is that organizations can publish new and updated information to every specified network directory, including directories housed on legacy or customized applications. For organizations with hundreds of directories spread across multiple operating systems, this means a savings of thousands of hours and possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars. DirXML is available for NetWare, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Linux and Solaris.
Tight Integration of Novell Solutions
Mérici has benefited from the tight integration offered by Novell’s powerful directory service. When a new student account is created, Novell eDirectory automatically requests the College’s NIMS e-mail system to create an e-mail box for the student, eliminating additional resources required to update more than one system.
Mérici also uses Novell’s ZENworks for Desktops solution, a management application which greatly reduces the cost and time involved in the management of desktops and the deployment of network applications.
“It’s the best solution we have found in the last decade. Deploying a new version of our Office suite used to require at least two weeks. Today, with ZENworks, 200 workstations can be automatically updated with a mere click of the mouse,” added Raymond.
Novell eDirectory, DirXML and ZENworks play an important role in the management of Mérici and of its installed computer base. In addition, they have allowed Mérici to realize substantial savings. According to Raymond, the combined Novell solutions have gained Mérici up to six weeks of a full-time technician’s time.
About Collège Mérici
Located in Quebec City, Collège Mérici is a private co-educational college-level institution dispensing a variety of pre-university and professional programs with an annual student enrolment of about 1,000 at its main campus in Québec City. Mérici also offers programs in Hull and Morocco.
Founded in 1930, Mérici has remained faithful to its long tradition of excellence while constantly adjusting to the changing educational needs of its students. For more information, visit http://www.college-merici.qc.ca/.
About Novell
Novell Inc. is a leader in eBusiness solutions and Net services software designed to secure and power the networked world. Novell and its eServices division, Cambridge Technology Partners, help organizations solve complex business challenges, simplify their systems and processes, and capture new opportunities with one Net solutions. Novell provides worldwide channel, consulting, education and developer programs to support its offerings.
Novell Canada, with its head office located in Markham, Ontario, has sales and service offices in Halifax, Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, London, Calgary and Vancouver. Please visit Novell Canada’s Web site at http://www.novell.ca. Press may access Novell announcements and company information on the World Wide Web at http://www.stratamp.com/novellpr. Please also visit the Novell Canada news portal at http://www.onenetnews.ca.
For more information, contact:
Anita Wong/Briana Davis
Strategic/Ampersand Inc.
(416) 961-5595
anita@stratamp.com
briana@stratamp.com
