University-Wide Migration from Novell to Active Directory Background Information
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University-Wide Migration from Novell to Active Directory Background Information • There are roughly 1,200 desktop computers on 2 Hamline campuses (99% of our desktops run Windows XP, 1% Mac/Linux/Other) • Close to 100 server-class computers provide various services on the Hamline network (Hamline servers run Novell Netware, Windows Server or Unix/Linux) • Novell servers at Hamline host Novell’s “directory service” Current Directory Service • A directory service is the central repository of the key elements of a computer network, the place where ITS administrators manage users, computers, network folders, email, etc. • Hamline uses Novell’s directory service for: – Login/authentication to network resources – Network-based file storage – Networked printers/digital imagers – Groupwise email Novell’s Legacy at Hamline • Novell’s technology has served Hamline well for over a decade; Novell was chosen because: – Novell was the market leader at the time – It provided the full range of network services Hamline needed – It was less expensive than the technology of emerging competitors – Novell support was robust and most software products were designed to work with Novell Why Transition? • Interoperability – Microsoft Active Directory (AD) is now the industry standard –3rd Party software products are now routinely created for AD and rarely for Novell – There is a large knowledge base available to Hamline engineers for AD; meanwhile Novell’s has shrunk significantly •Cost – AD is now more cost-effective than Novell Key Benefits of Moving to AD • Hamline will be able to acquire AD-dependent software products that will improve productivity, communication and teaching and learning –an effect of greater interoperability • Hamline ITS will be able to leverage the latest administrative tools for software installation, desktop patches/updates, etc. and be able to count on the extensive knowledge base in resolving problems – Allowing us to do more with less AD Migration: Project Scope • Hamline ITS must accomplish several significant tasks to ensure the success of the migration to Active Directory (AD): 1. An entire network of Windows servers and network services must be configured from scratch 2. Existing Windows servers must be joined to the new AD 3. Code in Banner and various applications must be altered and integrated into the new environment 4. The University SAN (Storage Area Network), where all data is stored, must be re-configured under AD and all data moved to a new location within the SAN 5. In addition to the migration of end users and their computers, all public lab and podium PC’s must be integrated with AD AD Migration Plan: Introduction 1. Hamline ITS is currently building the new AD environment and planning the migration details 2. The migration will take place in stages over several months, but with minimal interruption for users; during these months users will be connected to both the new and old systems 3. AD user accounts and passwords will be created from the existing Novell user accounts and kept in sync until the migration is complete 4. Access to I:, U: and S: drive data will be maintained during the entire process except for a short period of University-wide downtime Step 1: End User Migration • In a single visit to the user’s computer, the following changes will be made: – The PC will be added to the new AD environment and removed from Novell – Newly-named network print queues (named after various cities of the world) will replace the existing ones (Windows printing replaces Novell printing) – Windows Updates will now point to Hamline’s WSUS server (users will be notified of available updates), and a program called SCCM will replace Zenworks for on-demand installation of applications – Most customized Windows settings will be retained (wallpaper, screen saver, icons, etc.) Step 2: End User Migration • Once Step 1 has been completed for the entire University, Hamline ITS will execute Step 2: – Update code in Banner so that user account changes or additions are passed on to AD – Ensure that all University services and applications are ready to function in an all-AD environment – Move all I: and S: and U: drive data to AD servers (this will require a window of downtime for all shared data) – Retire Novell file and print servers AD Migration Plan: Project End • When Step 2 has been accomplished and any lingering functionality issues are resolved, the migration will be considered complete • While many Novell servers will then be retired, some Novell servers and the Novell directory service will continue to support Groupwise (account information will be synced back to Novell from Active Directory until a replacement for Groupwise is in place) Timeline • November/December 2009 – Migration of ITS – Presentation of Migration Plan to Relevant Campus Stakeholders • January – May 2010 – Step 1 of Migration for all University divisions • May – July 2010 – Step 2 (Hamline ITS) • July – August 2010 –Project End So What Else Is New? • Office 2007 – Schedule –Training • Hamline Windows 7 Upgrade –TBD – Possible Summer 2010 Rollout University-Wide Migration from Novell to Active Directory.