SMARTSHARE NETWORK SUPPORT

SmartShare servers are designed to spread the load over servers best optimized for the tasks because specialized tasks are often best served by specialized tools. SmartShare’s server platform is interoperable within the multi-platform environment of Windows NT, NetWare, UNIX, Linux or Macintosh. Unlike traditional network platforms, however, SmartShare does not perform network directory services and is instead, optimized for shared services only – file, print or web. This improves overall network performance by spreading the network load over servers best optimized for the processes.

Windows: The SmartShare “thin” server platform is specialized to fulfill certain network processes and relies on Microsoft domains or Active Directory for administration. SmartShares appear to the network as member servers, allowing administrators to use familiar tools without the need for additional training. SmartShares offer standardized communication using the Microsoft networking protocols with privileges assigned through standard group policies.

Novell: Thin server platform refers to "thinning" a server by removing all services not directly supporting the task. As an example, SmartShare FS is optimized for file serving, either as stand-alone, in a cluster, or front-ending a Storage Area Network (SAN). Such optimization means that SmartShare does not provide directory services. Instead, SmartShare participates in Novell directory services allowing administration from NwAdmin or ConsoleOne. As a result, there are no new tools to learn and privileges can be assigned through standard group policies.