Novell makes intranet pitch

Novell has started shipping Intranetware, its global networking solution,which includes Netware 4.11 and Novell directory services (NDS).

The intranet solution features built-in Web access without the need for TCP/IP, and a multiprotocol routing service to give Internet access.

It incorporates C2-level security to protect sensitive data during transmission across networks and a built-in multiprotocol routing service that protects the internal network with a level-one firewall.

The company claims that Intranetware will provide a robust foundation for corporate intranets, while cutting the costs of managing a network through the use of NDS.

Peter Labrow, marketing director at Novell dealer Xenon, said: 'It is exciting, not because of the product, but because Novell has changed the way it thinks.

'There are some cynics who think Novell has just changed the name, but with Intranet-ware it has made it easier and more logical to implement its products on to the Internet.'

In addition, the networking firm released Groupwise 5, an upgrade to its groupware solution, which provides access to information via its universal mail box. It integrates scheduling with task management, conferencing, shared folders and access to the Web.

Tom Schuster, MD of Novell, said: 'The positive feedback we have had from our beta programmes demonstrates we are delivering products that will build corporate intranets which are based on our customers' existing infrastructure, and which meet their future networking and groupware needs.'