Installing in a Windows Network Environment
Novell® ZENworks® operates on Windows workstations regardless of the server environment in your network. Desktop Management functions in any IP network running Novell eDirectoryTM, including networks with Windows 2000/2003 servers, or with NetWare® 6.x servers, or a combination of both of these.
Traditionally, ZENworks has been deployed in a NetWare or in a mixed NetWare and Windows environment. Early versions of ZENworks were dependent on many of the features and capabilities that existed only in a LAN based on NetWare. As the product has matured, however, features have evolved that allow ZENworks 6.5 to provide significant functionality in a non-mixed Windows network environment.
As shown in the illustration above, ZENworks can be deployed into an Active Directory* domain, providing ZENworks services through Windows 2003 servers and IIS Web server. You can continue to administer user accounts through the domain, while you administer applications, desktops, and policies using eDirectory as a repository independent of Active Directory.
ZENworks 6.5 ships with other Novell products that let you synchronize your users and passwords between Active Directory (or NT Domains) and the eDirectory ZENworks repository. ZENworks is agent-based and does not require the Novell ClientTM to be installed on user workstations or laptops. ZENworks authenticates to eDirectory and retrieves applications and policies, delivering them to user desktops using a browser, the Windows Start Menu, an application window, or desktop icons.
This section provides an example of how ZENworks 6.5 can be deployed in a sample Windows network environment. It also discusses the installation and significant ZENworks features that can benefit Windows network users. The following information is included: