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The Office Systems Group (OSG) of SCD has installed a high-availability NT server configuration to provide services to Wintel-based clients comprised of both desktop systems and laptop systems. Server and desktop systems run Windows NT 4.0, while the laptop systems run a combination of Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 95/98.The high-availability NT server configuration is comprised of two servers. A primary domain server, and a backup domain server. This configuration and the redundancy allows continued high availability of service to Wintel clients across various subnets.
The primary services provided by the SCD NT environment were expanded during FY1999 to include the following:
- Outlook Express (e-mail)
- Shared folders
- File exchange
- Full printing capabilities
- Network backups
- Divisional electronic calendar (Synchronize/Meeting Maker) system
- Secured login permissions for all users
- Remote login to server or workstation
- 100BaseT network connectivity (currently installed on the primary and backup domain server)
Configuration and testing is underway for further expansion of the Wintel-based system services. During FY2000, the NT servers and services will be expanded to provide:
- Auto updates for Norton Anti-Virus
- Software uploading
- Software license database
- Electronic purchase request system using Microsoft Access
- Electronic faxing
The insertion of Wintel systems and services into SCD represents a strong movement from standalone desktop systems to a high-availability server/client-based environment as well as an attempt to standardize administrative computing within the division. This has not only helped the administrative duties provided by SCD staff members, but allowed some streamlining of system administration duties performed by OSG staff.
Wintel systems are expected to allow for systematic growth of centralized administration in the future. Additionally, a number of traditionally UNIX-based divisional/departmental services and activities, such as electronic mail and network printing now are fully supported on NT platforms. SCD plans to evaluate the relative merits of these advancements and take advantage of them where appropriate and cost-effective.
Also during FY1999, OSG established and implemented a "stock" software configuration, comprised of a suite of office productivity tools for new Wintel desktops and laptops to help create a unified office work environment. This uniformity will help in the exchange of information and data between departments throughout NCAR, not just SCD.
As the number of Wintel systems expands throughout all of NCAR, a greater opportunity for a cohesive work environment is being created. This should further accelerate interdepartmental collaborations and user productivity.