Converting from Novell to Windows / Exchange network

[Bob Walker]

I am going to see a prospect next week about converting their Novell network
over to Windows. They are using Novell 5 and Groupwise. I would like to
suggest Small Business Server 2000 to them.

I am wondering what is the best route to go:

Install the SBS server and SBS clients on all the workstations and then use
Gateway Service for Netware to connect the Novell server to the SBS network?
The Novell server will have data that will have to be pulled over.

Also, e-mail is another issue. How to we export or save all the Groupwise
e-mail so it can be imported into the Exchange mailboxes.

I am open to any suggestions or advise because I have never mixed the two,

 

[Bob Walker]

Thanks for the comments Peter. Just to make sure I am on the right path, I
am going to add TCP/IP to the exisiting workstations, introduce the new
Windows server with Gateway services for Netware, add IPX/SPX, and then join
the workstations to the new Windows domain. Would that be essentially
correct?

 

[P. Meiners]

Basically, you have it. You want to run both OSs on the same network
untill you are completely transferred. Do not attempt to do this over a
weekend, totally unecessary and I will guarantee if you do, even with a
bullet-proof vest, helmet and ear plugs you will not live to see
Tuesday. Running the system parallel for a month ( or more) would allow
you to casually transfer over. One of my clients has been transitioning
for over a year this way; only one program still runs from the Netware
server.
Have you looked into Windows 2000 server. Might be more work now, but
better for the client later on. You think the support for sbs will
continue for as long as Windows 2000, unlikely.

ipx/spx protocol, tcp/ip ( possibly Netbeui- some old programs may need
this to run or for speed) and client for netware on the workstations.

Paul Meiners
MCNE MCP

 

[Bob Walker]

Should I leave the Novell netware client on or remove it and put on
Microsoft's?

 

[P. Meiners]

Highly recommend using Microsoft's, if your programs don't require the
Novell clients ( some do). Generally a rather painless transition
running both OSs in parallel; You will have some problems getting
everything exactly as you want, but again, this method allows you to
gracefully work on challenges. Suprising how easily the OSs work
together ( you may not think so util you get a few machines going on
both NETs). As far as security goes, Novell locks down from the
beginning, WK2000 is like a wild west town without a peace keeper until
you provide security. Study WK2000 security, it can be almost as tight
as Novell's ( you will miss delete inhibit and salvage). Lastly purchase
"Undelete" ( salvage equal) and get a a more robust defragger, such as
"Diskeeper" both from Executive Software for WK2000.

Trust me, it's a graceful transition; you will even like WK2000 after a
while ( about a year).