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From: jms@mrsvax.mis.arizona.edu (Joel M Snyder)
Newsgroups: comp.os.vms,comp.sys.novell
Subject: Re: Netware for VMS
Message-ID: <24JUN91135453@mrsvax.mis.arizona.edu>
Date: 24 Jun 91 20:54:53 GMT
References: <229@gordon.UUCP>
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In article <229@gordon.UUCP>, jpd@gordon.UUCP (Jim Drummey) writes...
> 
>We are looking into purchasing Netware for VMS and are looking  for
>comments, flames, etc from experienced users. In addition to the product,
>we'd like to hear any comments on the support offered by Novell and its
>reliability. Thanks in advance.
> 
Hah!!!  Novell's vision of software support for VMS is a complete hoax.
They seem to think that VMS should be handled in the same way that
PCs are: via "educated" resellers.  What this means, in fact, is
that it is very, very difficult to get any sort of meaningful answer
from anyone about problems with Netware for VMS.  In addition, Novell
feels no real obligation to keep its VMS sites up-to-date: they lagged
a full year behind on the VMS 4 to VMS 5 upgrade.  

Netware/VMS is only suitable for a site that has a left-over MicroVAX
that they don't know what to do with except have run Netware.  Novell believes
strongly in the concept of "dedicated servers," and their Netware 
product for VMS fits into that mold.  

I would grade the product documentation with a D, the product with a C-,
and support as an F.

You should investigate Digital's IPX gateway before buying Novell for VMS.

jms

Joel M Snyder, 627 E Speedway, 85705  Phone: 602.626.8680 FAX: 602.795.0900
The Mosaic Group, Dep't of MIS, the University of Arizona, Tucson
BITNET: jms@arizona  Internet: jms@arizona.edu  SPAN: 47541::telcom::jms   
"Communication without purpose is artistic masturbation." - Rod Steiger