SCO Unix vs Microsoft NT

1
SCO Unix vs Microsoft NT

• A briefing on the possibilities of moving the
  SACC Network Server from SCO Unix as the
  operating system to Microsoft Windows NT.

2
Introduction

• Questions
• Can OUSD(A)-SACC and ACCIS benefit from a move
  to Windows NT as an operating system on the
  server as compared to the current situation with
  SCO Unix?
• Can OUSD(A)-SACC and ACCIS be converted to use
  Windows NT as the operating system on the server?
• Will Windows NT, as the operating system on the
  server, provide the same level of function that
  we expect from SCO Unix?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of
  moving to Windows NT?

3
Windows NT

• Overview
• True 32-bit operating system, does not run on
  top of DOS.
• Network compatibility with Novell, Microsoft LAN
  Manager, DEC Pathworks, and TCP/IP networks.
• Meets C2 level security right out of the box,
  share-level security through Windows NT and
  user-level through Windows NT Advanced Server.
• Runs all DOS and Windows Applications.
• Provides same benefits as other Unix operating
  systems such as SCO Unix.

4
Advantages

• Better integration with Microsoft LAN Manager
  System Administration software interface which is
  already used by DEC Pathworks for SCO Unix.
• Flexibility
• Multitasking
• Remote Access Improvements
• Advanced System Administration Tools
• Reliability
• Maintenance Improvement
• Support from Microsoft
• Technical Support Availability and Expertise
• Microsoft Certified Professional Program
• Microsoft Solutions Channel

5
Disadvantages

• Cost(s)
• Cost is 300 for Windows NT
• Cost is 970 for Windows NT Advanced Server
• Need DEC Pathworks version 5.0 which includes
  support for NT, may require additional cost
• CD-ROM should be purchased to install software
• Time
• Time delay in delivering network will occur
• Support
• Third party vendors may lack NT support currently

6
Technical Advantages

• Better integration with Microsoft LAN Manager
• Multitasking
• Database Engine
• NT provides network interface to built-in tools
• User Manager for workstation security and user
  management
• Disk Administration for maintenance and
  management
• Event Viewer for monitoring of applications and
  security
• Performance Monitor for system measurement and
  troubleshooting
• Tape Backup for easy access to backup/restore
  functions
• Support
• Third party vendors involved do have NT support
• In the future, there will probably be many more
  32-bit applications written for NT than for Unix.

7
References

• Microsoft Network Development Channel
• Ziffnet Periodical Article Downloads
• PC Magazine, September 28, 1993 v12 n16
  p211(11)Title Windows NT The Real Story
• DEC Professional, July 1993 v12 n7 p32(6)Title
  Pathworks and Windows NT boldly going forward
• Communications Week, May 31, 1993 n456
  p19(1)Title Pathworks gains NT integration
• DEC Professional, July 1993 v12 n7 p18(7)Title
  Network operating systems sizing up the
  competition
• InfoWorld, June 7, 1993 v15 n23 p39(2)Title
  Vendors are ready to connect with NT
• DEC point of contact

8
Questions

• Need Windows NT or NT Advanced Server?
• Answer, NT Advanced Server would be better
• Can we use Advanced Server and DEC Pathworks,
  will there be a conflict between the NOS?
• Answer, No. Actually better connection to MS LAN
  Manager which is utilized by Dec Pathworks.
• What is the current on-the-street version of DEC
  Pathworks? (5.0 has NT support)
• Answer, version 4.1 is current and has NT
  support.
• What is the cost to upgrade to DEC Pathworks
  version 5.0?
• Answer, not yet available at this time.

9
Summary

• Answers
• Yes, OUSD(A)-SACC and ACCIS can benefit from a
  move to Windows NT as an operating system on the
  server as compared to the current situation with
  SCO Unix.
• Yes, OUSD(A)-SACC and ACCIS can be converted to
  use Windows NT as the operating system on the
  server.
• Yes, Windows NT, as the operating system on the
  server, can provide the same level of function
  that we expect from SCO Unix and even enhance
  functionality.
• Windows NT brings many more advantages to ACCIS
  than disadvantages and the disadvantages are only
  short-term and do not affect the system itself.