Netware 5.1 license issue 1

[fbizzell]

We have two servers on our network bop. One server(fs1) has a 100 user license and the other server(fs3) only have a 5 user license. They are both in the same tree. Our main user logins are on the server with the 100 user license. We want each of them to be able to attach to the server containing the 5 user license, or at least map a drive to that server. Can that be done or must we have a 100 user license for 5.1 on the fs3 server as well?

 

[marvhuffaker]

I'm going to post this for the benefit of anyone else that is looking for this. There are 2 ways to do this:

1) Buy 50 Add-On NetWare 5.1 licenses (yes, as of now they are still available). Install them into tree, go on your way. This option is MORE expensive than option 2, and there is not much benefit except it gets you some extra users.

--OR--

2) Purchase 100 UPGRADE licenses to either NetWare 6.5 or Open Enterprise Server. Licenses are sold as "Current Version AND PRIOR Version". Once your order has been processed, you contact Novell and they will send you an equal number of Netware 5.1 licenses for your immediate use.

So What's the difference and why is one way better than the other???

The difference is HUGE. If you only buy the 5.1 add on licenses, you still have a Netware 5.1 network. If you buy the 6.5 licenses, you have the latest version of NetWare at your disposal. No you don't have to jump and upgrade immediately. But 6 months down the road when you decide to upgrade, you don't have to purchase any additional licenses. They are already paid for.

Since NetWare 6.x and higher licenses are PER USER, not per server, you can have as many servers in the tree as you want, and it doesn't matter. In Franks case, 100 users of Netware 6.5 can work with both servers. He won't have the problem he has now where he needs server licenses for each server.

also.. To buy NetWare 5.1 add-on licenses, it actually costs more than if you buy NetWare 6.5 or OES Upgrade licenses. So option #2 saves you much moola in the long run.

Hope that helps. I get asked this question all the time so I hope that I explained it in a way that is clear.

Marvin Huffaker, MCNE

http://www.redjuju.com