Netware Migration
New Novell NetWare 6.5 File and Print Environment
8/16/05
What is the Novell NetWare file and print environment?
JMU's Novell NetWare environment provides file and print services to JMU faculty and staff. File services are comprised of network storage space files; either just your files, or files you want to share within your department or with other departments (N: drive, L: drive, etc.) Novell's automation tools gives you access to install certain application and utility software, and the delivery of updates and patches as necessary. Print services facilitate the sharing of printers among multiple people.
Why is JMU upgrading?
The current Novell NetWare file and print environment was created June 1994. We began with version 4, and over the years have made several upgrades to where we currently are: version 5.1. Many of the existing servers that comprise our environment are 8 years old or more. Also, our current NetWare environment is very low on available disk space to store files. After reviewing options, the decision was made to pursue a major upgrade to Novell NetWare 6.5 using brand new equipment that is much more powerful and higher capacity (both performance and storage) than what we have currently. This approach allows us to design a new Novell NetWare file and print environment from the ground up while not disrupting users during the redesign and testing phases.
Who will be affected by the upgrade?
Anyone who currently uses Novell NetWare will upgrade to the new environment. Primarily this consists of faculty and staff, but also includes a number of affiliates and students.
How will the upgrade work?
Approximately one month before your area is scheduled to migrate to the new environment, we will contact your department head and arrange a time to come interview with whomever that person wants involved.
The interview process consists of several parts:
- We will review background information we have on how it appears you are currently using NetWare (e.g. shared files within and outside your departments, printers) and how you would like to use it in the future
- We will apprise of any challenges you're likely to encounter as part of the migration
- We will give a list of items for you to do to help prepare for the migration
- We will verify the date/time the migration will take place
On the day of the migration we will provide you instructions on how to migrate, and have staff on-site to assist.
What will the upgrade change for me?
Disk space: You will have more disk space available for file storage. This allows you to store more of your work-related data on network drives. Storing your important data on network drives ensures that it is backed up nightly, protects it from local hard drive crashes, and provides for disaster recovery.
More options to access your data: Although most will still use the Novell Client to login and access their files, the new environment also allows "native" access to files using Windows and Apple protocols.
Your e-ID and password is your Novell NetWare logon too: In the new Novell NetWare environment, you will have one less login and password to remember! The e-ID and password that you use to access e-mail and other applications will also serve as your login to NetWare. When you change your password in the Accounts Portal, your NetWare password will automatically be changed also.
Drive mappings change: The file structure in the new environment has been reorganized to be more consistent JMU's organizational chart, easier to navigate, facilitate file sharing, and reduce the number of mapped drives most people have.
Easier printer setup: A new web-based interface makes it easier to select the printer(s) you need access to, and automatically installs the necessary printer driver software.
Contextless login: In the current environment, it is sometimes necessary to use your "full context" in order to login, for example- smithab.compsup.j4.jmu The new environment has been setup to be contextless, which means you will login with your e-ID only, for example: smithab
What we need from you:
- Clean up files
- Sync your passwords
- Print handout of migration instructions (which will be e-mailed to all users the day before migration)
- Log off at the departmental agreed upon down time the night before migration
- Turn off workstations the night before migration
- Identify (or receive assistance in identifying) non-compliant workstations and printers
- Hardware inventory- identify machines not running at least Windows2000
- Identify who doesn't login with the same local account name as their network account name
**Remember** any files left open on the workstations will not be copied
When does this start?
As of July, 2005, Information Technology has started upgrading its internal areas to the new environment. Beginning early September, 2005, departments will be contacted to start the process for upgrading as well. For the most part, areas in the division of Administration and Finance will be upgraded first (see tentative schedule). We expect this to take most, if not all, of the fall semester. Upgrades in other divisions will likely begin in January, 2006. We anticipate the entire process will take from 9 months to 1 year.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ