Novell to Microsoft Migration

This is a very-large-scale project that will require significant resources over approximately the next 18 months. There are a number of reasons for pursuing this conversion, and they are identified below:

• In many cases Windows is the only platform a particular product will run on, so a Microsoft server is installed. Because Microsoft and Novell perform similar basic functions (authentication, file, and print services), the need for Novell servers then becomes questionable. In other words, if a Microsoft server platform can perform all services, why would someone maintain both Microsoft and Novell platforms? The end result of doing the latter is increased complexity, more management, more troubleshooting time, and the use of resources best focused elsewhere.
• Novell has been losing market share for years. There is a risk that they will eventually no longer be a player in the server platform arena.
• 13 MnSCU campuses converted to Microsoft Windows platforms last year, others will follow.
• Novell does not function well in a virtual server environment, and that is our direction.