InformationWeek

November 10, 1997

Novell Improves Web Access For IBM Mainframe Apps

Point-and-click link from NetWare

ovell is shipping IntranetWare Host Publisher, software that lets users access data and applications on IBM mainframes from their Web browsers.

The product is intended for use in conjunction with NetWare for SAA 2.2, which is Novell's gateway between NetWare LANs and IBM mainframe or AS/400 systems. What IntranetWare Host Publisher adds is the ability to access an IBM mainframe from a Web browser, for users who prefer point-and-click interfaces. It comes with Novell Web Server 3.1 and Netscape Navigator 4.02.

IntranetWare Host Publisher runs on any NetWare 4.x server, which is connected to both the host system and the user's desktop. Host Publisher translates 3270 mainframe data flows into HTML. It uses Novell Directory Services to authenticate users and manage their access rights to the host-based information.

Travel-re servation company Sabre Group is testing IntranetWare Host Publisher. Sabre development director John Bamforth says the software has performed well, and its simple-to-use interface has reduced staff training time.

In some cases, mainframe customers are migrating systems to Unix and other high-end servers, which might limit IntranetWare Host Publisher's usefulness. Steve Glick, manager of networking and distributed computing for the Dallas County Community college district, says his organization was initially interested in the product to give Internet users access to the college's mainframe library system without having to use 3270 terminal-emulation software.

Since then, however, the library has decided to migrate its systems to Unix. Still, Glick says the college district is considering buying IntranetWare Host Publisher for staff who need to access other mainframe systems, such as human resources.

Another approach is to use Java applets to provide host access. That's the path taken by IBM with i ts eNetwork Host On-Demand software.

IntranetWare Host Publisher is priced at $495 for 10 users, $2,195 for 50 users, and $9,495 for 250 users. Each server can be licensed for 500 users.

Back to News in Review