Sign in Subscribe
Network hardware industry

Novell and Cisco Unveil Directory Services Interoperability for Networking Infrastructure

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Novell and Cisco demonstrated newly developed Internet management technology, leveraging Novell Directory Services (NDS), to facilitate management and remote configuration of routers and switches from various vendors, including Cisco, Lucent Technologies, and Nortel Networks. This Java technology enables customers to reduce network ownership costs while improving manageability and the quality of network service. Cisco committed to providing interoperability between NDS and its Assure products, User Registration and Tracking, and Network Registrar. This announcement follows recent collaborations with Lucent and Nortel, where the companies committed to deliver similar interoperability and bundle NDS with their products in the first half of 1999.

Key Takeaways:

  • Novell demonstrated Java technology based on Novell Directory Services (NDS) for remote configuration and management of routers and switches from various vendors, including Cisco, Lucent, and Nortel.
  • Cisco announced commitment to provide interoperability between NDS and its Assure products, User Registration and Tracking, and Network Registrar.
  • Interoperability and bundling of NDS with Lucent's Cajun P550 switch and Nortel's Optivity Policy Services are scheduled for the second quarter of 1999.
  • NDS technology enables network administrators to remotely configure virtually any router, reducing the need for on-site personnel.
  • The technology allows for user identity-based auditing, management, billing, and quality of service applications for ISPs and telecommunications carriers.
  • Novell's technology provides centralized management and configuration of network hardware infrastructure through a Graphical User Interface (GUI), improving network reliability and reducing administration costs.
  • NDS supports more APIs, tools, standards, and protocols than any other directory service, making it a strong development foundation for delivering secure, manageable network applications.

Statistics:

  • Novell's technology demonstration at COMDEX featured a proof-of-concept for directory-based hardware management.
  • Interoperability and bundling of NDS with Lucent's Cajun P550 switch and Nortel's Optivity Policy Services are scheduled for the second quarter of 1999.
  • Cisco plans to offer NDS integration with Cisco Assure, Cisco Network Registrar, and Cisco User Registration and Tracking in the second quarter of 1999.
  • Novell's technology enables remote auto-reboot or fault recovery of routers for automated system-wide upgrades or other maintenance.

Sources:

  • COMDEX, LAS VEGAS, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ --
  • Novell(R), Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVL)
  • Cisco Systems, Inc.
  • Lucent Technologies
  • Nortel Networks

Read more