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Not only must a gateway connect GroupWise with another messaging system, it must also preserve the integrity of the information flowing between the two systems. GroupWise gateways must effectively handle messages that are not natively supported in other systems. For example, if a gateway connects to an E-mail-only system, the gateway is intelligent enough to convert all meeting requests and task assignments into the other system’s E-mail message format without losing any of the scheduling or task information.

If the gateway is connecting to a combined E-mail and scheduling system (e.g., IBM OfficeVision or DEC All-In-One), the gateway can convert GroupWise meeting requests into a message format that the other system understands. The gateway can also receive meeting requests from the other system. Not only is the meeting information preserved, but so is the ability to accept or decline the request. The OfficeVision Gateway also supports busy searches between the GroupWise and OfficeVision calendaring systems.

Pass-through messaging lets GroupWise connect with another physically separate GroupWise system, using a different intermediary messaging system as a transport. Pass-through messages are encapsulated in the other system’s message format and then unencapsulated when they reach the remote GroupWise system. This encapsulation or tunneling preserves all messaging functions (e.g., message status tracking, attachments, priorities, and calendar-busy searches). It also maintains administrative functions (e.g., directory synchronization) between the two GroupWise systems.

Many GroupWise gateways also provide directory synchronization between GroupWise and a different messaging system. For example, the GroupWise cc:Mail Gateway automatically updates the cc:Mail directory with changes made in the GroupWise directory, and vice versa. A long list of GroupWise gateways built on the same core engine technology provides consistency of gateway functional ability, integrity of exchanged messages, and extensive connectivity to other messaging systems.

GroupWise Administration

Administration of GroupWise software in NetWare 4.1 environments is achieved using the native NWADMIN program provided with NetWare. NWADMIN plug-in modules allow seamless administration of the GroupWise users and objects. The GroupWise directory will first be synchronized with, and then eventually replaced by, NDS as the directory service in NetWare environments. The GroupWise administration architecture supports both a central and distributed administration model. All GroupWise administration can be done centrally by a single person, regardless of system size and the location of the various system components. Administration responsibilities can also be divided among multiple administrators, each with responsibility for a specific domain.

The ability to monitor and diagnose the system is currently missing in most LAN-based messaging products. Novell GroupWise offers support for SNMP management of its message server programs. GroupWise also offers diagnostic and status reporting services with the Admin program. The administrator can monitor the heartbeat, or message flow, of the system and automatically be notified of system problems via mail message, pager, or voice mail.

GroupWise Telephony Access Server

The GroupWise Telephony Access Server (TAS) enables users to access their personal GroupWise mailboxes remotely without using a computer. As with many messaging systems, GroupWise allows a user to gain access to his or her mailbox through a remote computer, modem, and telephone line. Although remote access to a messaging system by modem helps users be more productive and accessible, it can be limiting because not every user has access to a computer outside the workplace. Now GroupWise is leading the way into the next generation of mobile computing by giving every GroupWise user the ability to receive and send messages anywhere, anytime, using a standard touch-tone telephone.

After accessing TAS, GroupWise users can read and send messages and listen to calendar information. Users can also take advantage of extensive message search capabilities, and can even have messages or calendar information sent to a fax machine. To access TAS, a user simply calls the TAS telephone number supplied by the GroupWise administrator. TAS then prompts the user for his or her personal TAS ID and password. The GroupWise administrator assigns the TAS ID and a numerical password. If desired, the user can change the password after accessing TAS using the originally assigned password. If a user forgets the correct TAS ID, inputting his or her first and last name will prompt TAS to give the correct ID (the user must, of course, also know the password to gain access). Once the ID and password are verified, the TAS voice presents the user with a menu of options. If the user does not respond within a specific amount of time, TAS automatically repeats instructions and gives additional assistance.

If the user chooses to hear new messages from the inbox, TAS first tells the user how many new messages there are. For each message, TAS indicates who sent the message and reads the subject line. The user can then listen to the message or skip to the next one. When listening to a message, the user has the option of listening to attachments as well. Before reading an attachment, TAS indicates approximately how long it will take to read it. The user can reply to, forward, or delete any message. For scheduled meetings, tasks, and notes, the user can also accept, decline, or delegate the message. If the user asks to listen to calendar information, TAS prompts the user to input the day and then gives the user the option to listen to the day’s appointments, notes, or tasks, or to listen to all three categories combined.

If the optional GroupWise Fax/Print Gateway is installed at the user’s master system, the user can instruct TAS to send any message, along with its attachments, to a fax machine. The user can also choose to have his or her personal calendar faxed in one of three formats: planner day view, tri-fold day view, or week view.

A user can search for a specific message by indicating the message location (e.g., in-box or out-box), the message type (e.g., mail, calendar, or both), and a key word. TAS looks for the key word in the subject, to, and from lines of all messages meeting the search criteria and reports how many matches it finds. The user can then choose to listen to just the subject or to the entire text of the matching messages.


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