"Novell's networking vision, 'Pervasive Computing,' will enable workers to do their jobs more efficiently through easy, seamless access to critical information regardless of where the workers or the information are located.
NetWare 4 is the foundation of Novell's vision of computing because it provides today's seven basic networking services, and a support infrastructure that embraces remote access, TCP/IP and host connectivity, and a wide range of third-party services like database, accounting, and personnel management needed to build productive computing environments.
Novell is focused on the services and technologies needed to enable pervasive computing. These include:
NETWORK SERVICES:
Novell's network service offerings continue to provide users with richer functionality and seamless access to network resources through integrated messaging, improved management, and state-of-the-art network security. NetWare Directory Services (NDS) is becoming an industry standard, and a cornerstone for pervasive computing. NDS is highly distributed and will be available on industry-leading platforms. Novell will also ensure that NetWare Directory Service operates with other popular directories and databases. All of these services can be used by application and hardware vendors to deliver a new kind of networking based on NetWare's consistent, reliable network services.
NETWORK ACCESS:
The network must become easier to access and use. Novell simplifies user access using a three-dimensional graphical user interface and a navigational tool for browsing public and private networks. Novell's mobile solutions bring the network wherever you work, via cellular, radio, infrared and telephony links.
NETWORK APPLICATIONS:
As access devices and network services expand, users need intelligent network applications to work, play and communicate on the pervasive network. In all current and forthcoming applications, Novell is applying its expertise in messaging, groupware, document management, and other technologies to the benefit of its customers. This furthers the user's ability to create new applications and to exploit new business opportunities.
TOOLS and APPLICATION PROGRAMMING INTERFACES (APIs) :
Novell, together with its software partners, will make the right tools available to ease network application development. Graphical development environments, software development kits, and APIs will enable independent software vendors and developers to build applications to take advantage of the capabilities and functionality of Novell services.
MANAGEMENT:
Many of today's networks are becoming too difficult and too expensive to manage. Novell is creating and supporting management solutions that allow administrators to manage every layer of the network easily and efficiently.
PARTNERSHIPS:
Novell has an unparalleled reputation for working with hardware and software partners to respond to user needs and to deliver thousands of business and computing solutions for customers to choose from."
