| United States Worldwide |
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| United States Worldwide |
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Project Winserver/NetraFiscal 1995 Project Portfolio Report
Principal Investigators(s)
Overall ObjectiveTo provide a specific function UNIX server with a simplified administration framework for use as an "applicance" to network clients.
Objective for FY95During FY95, the team focused on collaborating with SunSoft/SMCC to transfer technology into their product organization, and to deliver a network server appliance.
DescriptionIn January of 1994, SML launched a new project aimed at creating a better support base for interoperability between PC systems, especially those running Microsoft Windows, and server systems running Solaris. Prior to this time, Sun's efforts in this arena had primarily been limited to a product which implemented a TCP/IP stack for MS/DOS systems and an implementation of an NFS client that used it. The WinServer project advocated a different approach. WinServer called for implementing gateways and protocol translators on Solaris servers so that shared file and print services could be delivered to PC systems using mechanisms native to the PC's operating environment. In April of 1994, a second important concept was added to the PC interoperability program. Customers used to working with Netware and LAN Manager often found UNIX systems too difficult to understand and operate. In addressing this issue, the team focused on providing a specific function UNIX server with a simplified administration framework for use as an "appliance" to network clients.
AccomplishmentsWinServerThe WinServer team realized the need to work with third party partners in the project and quickly determined that Syntax Corporation had produced a suite of products highly aligned with the WinServer project goals. By the end of FY94, the Syntax software had been successfully integrated into the SML environment and was in daily use. During the same time period, SunSoft was nearing completion of an extension of the PCNFS product known as SolarNetTM which provided a higher level of administration tools. At the beginning of Q2, the WinServer team and project transitioned to SunSoft to merge the two efforts. The SolarNet product was extended to include the now much-expanded suite of interoperability products. Throughout the remainder of FY95, SunSoft and SML continued to work closely on the refinement and pilot testing of many of the components. By the close of FY95, SunSoft's SolarNet product line included the IPX/SPX network interface stack and NWServer (Netware-compliant). Netra During Q1 and Q2 of FY95, SML worked closely with test engineers from SMCC's reseller group to implement a server designed to operate as a gateway for PC clients to the Internet. Using components such as DNS naming and SMTP-based e-mail that were native to UNIX, the team packaged them in a way that setup and administration were essentially transparent. The resulting server, the Netra-i, was delivered to customers in a package that industry reviews called, "as close to plug and play," as any product they had yet seen. With one of the shortest development cycles in Sun's history, the Netra-i was introduced in Q2 of FY95. Throughout the remainder of FY95, the Labs continued to collaborate with both SunSoft and SMCC on refinements to the product.
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