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hß · NetworksCurated

NetWare with the Netscape web server

Summary

In 1997 Novell worked with Netscape in the joint venture Novonyx on porting Netscape’s products to NetWare. In the next IntranetWare version, codenamed Moab, Netscape’s FastTrack Server was to replace Novell’s own web server, and the LiveWire development environment was to come with it. Novell had not yet officially confirmed the plans.

Ideas

  • After financial turbulence, Novell wanted to open NetWare up for intranets and the web.
  • Instead of developing its own web technology further, Novell took over that of a partner.
  • The Novonyx joint venture was to port the entire Netscape product line.

Insights

  • Established network operating systems tried to manage the shift to the web through partnerships rather than their own development.
  • Whoever buys in the web layer gives up part of the control over the platform.

Facts

  • The upcoming IntranetWare version had the codename Moab.

References

Critique

  • The report relies on hints from employees; scope and schedule were not confirmed.

Remarks

  • In the following years NetWare lost ground to Windows NT and later Linux; from 2003, with the purchase of SUSE, Novell itself relied on Linux.

Recommendations

  • With platforms, check which core functions depend on partners and what happens if they drop out.
  • Treat announcements without official confirmation as a planning risk.

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