Microsoft NetWare Client Will Not Be Enhanced (246754)

SUMMARY

The Microsoft Client for NetWare Networks was released with Windows 95 in April, 1995. In November, 1995, Microsoft released a new Windows client for NetWare version 4.x. Since then, Microsoft has created hotfixes to correct problems, but has not added any functionality. The November, 1995 form of the client was also released with Windows 98, again with no added functionality.

During this time, Novell released a client, and has subsequently added functionality to it.

The Microsoft Client for NetWare Networks (for both Windows 95 and Windows 98) has essentially been a static product since its release, with more supportable alternatives becoming available in the ensuing time period.

Microsoft has made a business decision not to invest any resources toward adding functionality to the Microsoft Client for NetWare Networks to make it supportable with Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2.0, or for any other purpose, and has no plans to do so in the future.

Microsoft still supports the Microsoft Client for NetWare Networks as it relates to fixes in supported programs.

Microsoft has also concluded that the Novell Client for Windows 95/98 is the most supportable client for SMS 2.0 (as noted in the SMS 2.0 Readme file). Modifying the Microsoft client to be supportable with SMS 2.0 would require re-engineering of the product.