Upgrade from 3.2 to 5.1

[fbizzell]

We have a Netware 3.2 server 250 user license that we want to upgrade to a 5 user 5.1 license and load it on a new server and dump the old server. Can this be done?

 

[iolair]

Yes. If you want to save any old information or user accounts, etc. you'll need to first install the 3.2 stuff on the new server, then perform the upgrade. Or, if you wish, you can do an over the wire migration to 5.1.

Iolair MacWalter

 

[fbizzell]

We want to do a clean install because we will only be using the new server as a test server and not bringing all the users over. As I said, we are going from a 250 user license user under 3.2 to a 5 user license under 5.1. We thought perhaps the mismatch of users would cause a question in the licensing.

 

[iolair]

Are you going to want to log in to both servers at the same time? You say you're using it as a test server - if it's not online, you shouldn't have any trouble at all. If it's online, then when you login from a client, you'll have to choose whether to authenticate via the bindery (3.2) or NDS (5.1)

Iolair MacWalter

 

[fbizzell]

No, we will never log into the old 3.2 server once we have created the new server. WE ARE THROWING THE 3.2 SERVER INTO THE TRASH DUMP. My question is will Novell let us build a new server with the 5.1 upgrade (We are in effect wanting to swap our 250 user 3.2 for a 5 user 5.1)? We will save NOTHING from the old server.

 

[marvhuffaker]

Just install NetWare 5.1 clean and forget the 3.2 server. It will do nothing for you, not even licensing. See my response on the other forum.

Marvin Huffaker MCNE, CNE
Marvin Huffaker Consulting, Inc.

http://www.redjuju.com/support

 

[nullanulla]

Shame to waste a 250 license version of Netware, particularly when it will run with 160scsi and gigabit networks

 

[MartyHTC]

We are in need of a 250 user license, are you willing to sell your copy? Anybody else have a copy of Novell 3.2 250 user license?

Thanks
Marty

 

[marvhuffaker]

This is what I would recommend... It's sort of hard to explain, but I have done this for some of my clients with licenses that are no longer available for purchase..

Purchase 250 Licenses of Open Enterprise Server (The latest version of Netware - essentially Netware 6.5 & Linux). Then call Novell and tell them you need licenses for 3.2. It's completely legit because the new licenses are sold as "OES & Prior Versions". They will then email the version licenses you need. But the nice thing is, when you are ready to upgrade to a newer version, you have already paid for licenses. You just install your new servers and apply the licences that you purchased.

I have never used this to order back licenses as old as Netware 3.12, but I am guessing it can be done. I could certainly call Novell and ask.

Also, that amount of licenses puts you right on the edge of being able to qualify for CLA licensing, which gives you a couple extra percentage points discount.

Marvin Huffaker, MCNE

http://www.redjuju.com

 

[iolair]

I find that there are more people than I think running Netware 3.x. It seems Novell could capitalize on this by selling it to those small businesses that don't need NDS or any of the "features" of a newer version.

Another thing about buying older licenses under one of the Novell plans is if you buy yearly maintenance, you can get the latest upgrade when it becomes available and you're ready to upgrade. You don't have to re-purchase the software. Although, maintenance can be expensive. There used to be a rule of thumb to go by - if you replaced and/or upgraded within three years, buy maintenance. Don't know if that still applies or not.

Iolair MacWalter