However you choose to migrate from IPX to IP, the cost and difficulty usually associated with a major change such as this is offset by NetWare 6 migration tools designed to facilitate migration without loss of connectivity or IPX application support. The migration tools include the following:
These components can be loaded on the same server. The CMD runs on all NetWare 6 servers by default. Only one MA is required for each IPX network connected to the IP backbone.
Because most existing NetWare servers have some dependency on IPX applications and services, NetWare 6 installs with IP running Compatibility Mode as the default. When you install NetWare 6, you can choose to load with IPX only, or IP with Compatibility Mode. Although the Compatibility Mode driver is loaded on the server by default, it remains dormant until the server receives a request for IPX services. This allows backward compatibility with IPX while using minimal system resources.
Use of the other components of Compatibility Mode will be determined by your networking requirenment and existing infrastructure. Each component's role in a multiprotocol network is described to help you determine if you need to use it.