With the due course of time every entity in the world faces a mandatory process of change. Changes are inevitable and every change has its own impact, positive or negative. Here in this article I will focus on the latest launched version of Novell GroupWise 2012. In the latest version, Novell GroupWise has made some major up-gradation that would definitely affect the process of the organization using it. In this article I would like to highlight the aspects that can affect the work flow of the organization using Novell GroupWise. Knowing these points will enable the GroupWise user to address the problem with proper solution.
A network operating system, NetWare is no longer in use:
From GroupWise 2012 onwards user can use MS Windows Server, Linux Enterprise Server (SUSE) and Novell Enterprise Server only. However this can be a positive move as it will allow user to work with the technology that ensure stability and better performance. Earlier it has been observed that NetWare resulted in a complete server failure which caused a great loss to the user. It has also been observed that GroupWise performs better with Windows and Linux operating system.
User who are still working over older version of GroupWise with NetWare and looking for up-gradation, it is mandatory to switch either on Linux or Windows operating system. However this will add extra burden in terms of capital because managing GroupWise is itself a costly task and introducing new technology will boost-up the expenditure for sure. As per technical challenges GroupWise user will find Windows much easier to administrate due to simple and effective interface however Linux is also a good option for the migration.
Dismounting Mac and Linux Client:
Novell discontinued the development of Linux and Mac GroupWise client application. Nonetheless GroupWise 8 Linux and Mac client will be included with GroupWise 2012, but all the new features will remain inaccessible. The highly improved WebAccess client is one the main aspect of Novell GroupWise 2012, which can lure the Mac and Linux users.
WebAccess upgraded:
In Novell GroupWise 2012 the architecture of WebAccess is completely modified. Till last version GroupWise used a server agent to maneuver interaction between WebAccess application and Post Office. The particular component had troubled GroupWise a lot hence in the latest version server agent has been removed on permanent basis. In the latest version WebAccess application interacts directly with the Post Office agent via SOAP protocol. The modification will generalize the performance of WebAccess and simplify the communication process.
Possibilities of Up-gradation in GroupWise 2012:
It can be observed that GroupWise has remained consistent and maintained a set standard for over a very long period of time. Apart of some technical aspect, user can perform an in-place up-gradation for most of the components. This facility will definitely minimize the overall cost of the migration
- However there are many other reasons related with GroupWise that prompt user to switch from GroupWise application to other Server-client application.
- High installation and maintenance cost.
- Complex technology which arise the need of dedicated training program for the user.
- Complex errors and issues can be tackled only by the GroupWise specialist not by general users.
In recent days it has been observed that Exchange Server has become a top priority of the organization. All the above-mentioned points are vandalized when we consider upon the features and functionalities of the Exchange Server. Let us consider some major points that made user to priorities Exchange over Novell GroupWise or other Server application.
- The installation and maintenance is quite affordable than GroupWise.
- The interface is extremely user-friendly and does not require any training program.
- Large number of errors can harm the file but there are equally large numbers of solution available to solve the issue.
GroupWise is considered as legendary Server application but the standard of user has drastically enhanced. The GroupWise fails to provide all those expected advance features that are provided by Exchange Server at much less cost. Hence user is left with no option other than to switch from GroupWise to Exchange Server in-order to compete in tough business environment.
User cannot access his GroupWise data directly into Exchange Server due to difference in file format. However, if user wants to access his GroupWise data in Exchange than he has to migrate his data using third party migration tool.