dirXML questions

[GWA]

dirXML seems to be the the latest buzzword around here, so now i have some
quick questions.
(We have a mixed W2K3 AD/Novell network, not yet running NAM)

1. Is it true that dirXML is built-in to 6.5 and if we upgraded all our
servers to 6.5, we would not need to buy NAM?

2. Does dirXML help organize the AD tree? Right now, our NDS tree is nice
and tidy with logical OU's and groups for users, but our new AD tree is a
mess. It was not setup the same as NDS and I was wondering how dirXML will
handle synchronizing users if the groups and OU's don't match - or will it
actually help us with the organization of the tree. The main problem I
foresee is with GPO's.

Thanks much for any info.

 

[Keith Klenke]

You get the starterpack -

http://www.novell.com/products/netware/features.html

Manage mixed environments-without administrative and security
headaches-using DirXML Starter Pack (drivers for Microsoft Active Directory
to eDirectory, Windows NT domains to eDirectory, and eDirectory to
eDirectory, along with password synchronization)

you can play with a demo of 6.5, along with other products -
http://download.novell.com

 

[Steven Bellamy]

Why not ask on the Novell news group?

support-forums.novell.com and look for the DirXML group

 

[Mary]

1. Yes, because you get the DirXML connector that syncs
passwords with AD - but it is different than NAM, so it
depends on what you have been using, or planned to use,
NAM for.

2. No it won't make your AD all nice and neat - that's up
to you! You might want to take the opportunity to redo
your AD in a more LDAP-compliant structure for current and
future use. What you have to do with DirXML is draw
a "logical map" of sorts to show DirXML where the user
belongs in AD. (Remember, computers are very literal and
rather stupid - which is why I never became a robotics
programmer - just couldn't handle it).

It's interesting to see this note as I'm working on a Meta-
directory solution that's using eDirectory as the master
directory and DirXML to push the data out to AD,
eDirectory, and iPlanet.

You might want to invite someone from the local Novell
office in to explain what comes with 6.5 if you still have
questions. Our local office has always been happy to come
in with customized demos and presentations at no charge.