1.     What is TotalNET Advanced Server?  

      TAS is a well behaved UNIX application that enables a UNIX or Linux server to advertise itself as a MAC, Novell or Windows based server on your network.   This enables you to compress several servers of a single Operating System or a mix of Operating Systems onto a single UNIX server. This consolidation utilizes the reliability, scalability and availability of UNIX to reduce network complexity and administration costs.  

 2.       How does it work?

TAS is loaded onto your UNIX or Linux server and file services are created to emulate the MAC, Novell and Windows OS based servers in your current environment.   These file services advertise themselves on the network as the original PC OS based servers.   TAS stores a single copy of the file, receives requests for the file, formats it for the requesting Operating System and delivers it to authenticated users without FTP.

3.       How do I update it?

Since TAS is a UNIX application, it uses the software updating procedures inherent in your UNIS OS without re-compiling.     

4.       Does TAS require a dedicated server?

No.  Since TAS is a well behaved UNIX application, it can easily co-exist with other UNIX or Linux applications on a single UNIX or Linux server.

5.       What UNIX versions does it support?

TAS supports the following UNIX and Linux Operating Systems:

·         SUN Solaris/Sparc and Solaris/Intel  6, 7, 8 and 9

·         IBM AIX 5.xx

·         SGI IRIX 6.xx

·         HPUX 11.xx

·         Linux Red Hat  

6.       How does TAS authenticate users?

TAS offers several different authentication methods which you may use depending on your environment: authentication to NIS tables, proxy authentication to an NT PDC,  local authentication to a local map, Active Directory 2000, Active Directory 2003 or LDAP (with Kerberos).   Download our TAS White Paper for more detailed information on authentication processes.   

7.       How does TAS support LDAP?

TAS employs LDAP protocols for the TotalNET Network Directory (TNND) because it simplifies user authentication and further unifies disparate operating systems in complex enterprise environments. TNND uses LDAPv3 and LDAP-enabled directory services as a "gateway" to an enterprise-wide authentication database. TNND stores and maintains data from the TotalNET password file (passwd.file.narrow), the Unix password file (/etc/passwd), group information (/etc/group), and Network Information Services (NIS) maps in this database. What this allows is data sharing across realms that is secure, efficient, convenient, and more elegant, especially where NIS maps and Unix accounts are concerned.    For more information, please refer TAS Administration Manual "Ch. 12 TotalNET Network Directory Administration"

8.        How does TAS work with Active Directory 2003?

The Active Directory form of authentication is used when enterprises have pre-configured Active Directory servers that handle username and password verification and want to connect to a TAS server and share files with other clients.   Unlike proxy authentication servers, Active Directory requires its own, unique set of procedures to configure its use with TAS.   The specific procedures are discussed in Chapter 9.2 Active Directory Support of TAS Administration Manual. 

9.       Why should I use TAS instead of Samba?

Briefly, TAS offers its CustomerCare program as part of your purchase,  This program provides 24x7 Help Desk support, no charge fixes, no charge upgrades and third party software compatibility issue resolution. This support releases your staff from solving network interoperability issues so that it may address other end-user support issues.  Our TAS Competitive Document discusses the value of TAS over shareware in more detail.  It is available for download on our web page, http://www.ipi-site.com. 

10.    What does the TAS CustomerCare program provide?

The TAS CustomerCare program is included with your initial purchase.   It provides 7x24 telephone support and access to our User only Webpage for email support.  It also provides no charge software version upgrades, software fixes, and license transfers.  The CustomerCare program is renewable on an annual basis. 

11.    How does it work with OSX?

Yes, TAS enables MAC workstations using OSX to store and share files with Windows, Novell or UNIX users without FTP or a user initiated SMB conversion.      

12.    Does it work with SAN storage solutions?

Yes, TAS works with internal UNIX storage, direct attached storage and SAN storage solutions. Many TAS users are now using TAS licensed servers as a UNIX based NAS gateways to SAN arrays in a ClearCase environment.   This enables the SAN array to serve both NAS and SAN attached users in dedicated LUNS on a single storage array.  

13.    How is TAS licensed?

TAS is licensed on a per seat basis for the number of individual users who will need access to shared files stored on TAS licensed servers.   Each user and server is licensed once.   A document describing the TAS licensing model is available on our website, http://ww.ipi-site.com. 

14.    What is a license pool?

A group of users who need access to shared files on one or more TAS licensed servers located either locally or globally.   

15.   Does TAS support Windows based ACLs and printer attributes? 

Yes, TAS supports Windows ACLs and printer attributes through Windows “look and feel” drop down boxes.  The Windows ACLs and Printer commands are converted to UNIX based ACLs and commands within TAS itself.   Additional information is available in the TAS White paper.  

16.    How can I evaluate TAS for myself?

Simply download the TAS 7.1 evaluation through the link available on our webpage or at http://www.engenio.com.tas .   You can also register to create your own 100 user/30 day evaluation key. Integrated Platforms, Inc. can help you with general technical questions, installation issues, configuration issues, evaluation key extensions and configuration quotations 

17.    How is TAS managed?

TAS is managed through a simple, easy to use JAVA based GUI.   If you are using TAS with ClearCase, you will notice that the interface includes direct references to ClearCase.

18.    How do I purchase TAS?

Contact Integrated Platforms, Inc. at the phone number, email address or physical address shown on the web page.

If you want to know more ....   

Contact Integrated Platforms, Inc. Sales Department at 1-866-770-0215, email IPI at sales@ipi-site.com or visit LSI Logic's Website at http://www.lsilogic.com.