Novell makes a Nest with OEMs

Novell hopes the release of two software development kits early next year will push its Nest range of products ahead of the pack.

The company wants to increase the number of intelligent devices used across business networks and intranets. Naturally, Novell also hopes that when this happens, its software will be at the helm.

Using the Nest range, OEMs can incorporate Novell Netware and Intranetware technology into products such as copiers, fax machines, printers and scanners.

The company will deliver its Nest Office SDK to manufacturers with a double billing of lower pricing and rapid product implementation.

The product is available to OEMs for $5,000. Novell promises the development cycle will take weeks as opposed to months.

Nest Server SDK is aimed at manufacturers of storage subsystems. It allows the addition of network server and directory capabilities into CD servers, Raid systems, tape libraries and other peripherals storage products.

By providing source code and tools, OEMs will be able to create storage subsystems that can be accessed over a network without requiring a separate Netware Loadable Nodule.

John Harris, office automation director at Novell, said: 'Historically, storage servers were housed in secure sites and incorporating them into networks was time-consuming.

'Nest-embedded servers allow users to lower network administration costs by enabling systems administrators to quickly set up, configure and manage these storage systems.'