Networks '98: Intranets "easy to use and administer" - Novell

Novell's promotional blurb for Networks-telecom '98 makes the surprising claim that "intranets are hot... Better yet, they're actually easy to use and administer." There may be a few hard-pressed IT staff who would disagree with that sentiment but they have the opportunity to have any cynicism exorcised by taking a Novell 'Test Drive' at the show.

Main technologies being pushed in the Test Drives are: "NetWare 5, Z.E.N.works, BorderManager, GroupWise 5.5, ManageWise as well as products from Oracle, Netscape and Novonyx, all administered and accessed via Novell Directory Services (NDS)."

Novell says: "As we move towards the 21st Century, the use of intranet and Internet technology is becoming central to the way businesses operate. Businesses need to provide better Collaboration, information management, and process automation internally, whilst utilising the Internet to promote themselves and communicate with customers, suppliers and partners for commercial transactions and information sharing."

This may be correct, but a recent report by Forrester Research found that full blooded e-commerce solutions are for companies with "deep pockets and patient investors", and noted that "over the next three years, smart (online) retailers will forego current profits and increase spending on promotion, technology, partnerships and staffing" - which should be good news for Novell and other vendors at Networks-telecom 98.