On January 10, Novell shipped NetWare 5.1, a new version of its flagship network operating system (NOS). This updated version delivers four main enhancements: improved directory-based net infrastructure; additional Web-based applications, management tools, and resources; version 8 of Novell Directory Service (NDS) eDirectory; and enhanced Windows 2000 (Win2K) and Windows NT interoperability. NetWare 5.1 also includes IBM WebSphere Application Server 3.0 Standard Edition, IBM WebSphere Studio 3.0 Entry Edition, and a 5-user license of Oracle 8i. "Pairing the industry's leading Web application servers and a complete, easy-to-use Web development toolset for creating and deploying dynamic Web-based applications with Novell's flagship, directory-based, server OS provides NetWare 5.1 customers with a growth path as their e-business needs expand," said John Swainson, general manager of Business Information and Transformations, IBM Software Group. Novell’s new NetWare Management Portal provides secure access through a Web browser to NetWare 5.1 servers, letting administrators manage and monitor their networks from any client. The NetWare Management Portal administers and manages NDS, controls server status and health, identifies server problems and server setting configurations, and powers up servers. Of the 232 NetWare 5.1-compatible software applications, Novell has already certified 52 applications under its certification program as “Yes, Tested and Approved” that are ready to run on NetWare 5.1. Novell’s Web site contains a listing of these products. Novell intends to launch a worldwide training initiative, called the eOpportunity Tour, to train channel reseller partners and customers on the business benefits of NetWare 5.1. Novell, IBM Netfinity, and Lucent Technologies will sponsor presentations in many locations over the next few months, focusing on NetWare's eBusiness potential. To register for the eOpportunity Tour, call Novell at 888-321-4272. The complete price list for NetWare 5.1 licenses is as follows: Server plus 5-user license costs $1345 for a new license or $715 for an upgrade license; a 10-user additive license costs $1430 for a new license or $760 for an upgrade license; a 25-user additive license costs $3155 for a new license or $1680 for an upgrade license; a 50-user additive license costs $5455 for a new license or $2900 for an upgrade license; and a 100-user additive license costs $10,745 for a new license or $5700 for an upgrade license. For more information on Novell's products and services, call the Novell's Customer Response Center at 888-321-4272 or visit Novell's Web site.
