Novell yesterday announced a Java-based agent technology for its NDS (Novell Directory Services) that will let network administrators manage and remotely configure routers and switches from three leading vendors.
Cisco Systems joined Lucent Technologies and Nortel Networks -- which already have committed to supporting NDS -- and said it will provide interoperability between NDS and the Cisco Assure product line, Cisco Router Registration and Tracking and Cisco Network Registrar.
Yesterday's announcements are the latest step in a "deliberate, steady march to integrate more and more into NDS", said Ronald Palmeri, vice president, strategic relations at Novell.
The Java technology announced yesterday will ease the task of connecting servers and routers to a network running NDS and Novell's ConsoleOne network administration product, officials said. If, for instance, a Web server is connected to a network, the network manager can use the graphical user interface (GUI) in ConsoleOne to remotely configure the network to accept the new machine. Novell announced its Java-based ConsoleOne at its Brainshare conference earlier this year.
The Java agent takes the server's key information -- such as name and IP address -- from NDS and automatically reconfigures and reboots the router to accept the server, said Michael Simpson, director of marketing at Novell.
Pricing for the Java agent has not been set, but it is scheduled to ship within 18 months, officials said.