BT Leverages Novell Directory-Enabled Security Infrastructure to Simplify and Secure User Access Across Multi-Platform Network

Novell announced today that BT, one of the world's leading providers of telecommunications services, is deploying Novell® Net business solutions to integrate its heterogeneous networks to provide single sign-on (SSO) to network resources for its employees in the UK and to reduce network administration costs. The solution is powered by Novell SecureLogin and Novell eDirectory™. Implementation is in partnership with consulting services from Novell Consulting.

"Many of our employees access business-critical information using over 30 applications every day. This means that they are required to login using a different password each time they access a different system," said Caroline Dalton, program manager, BT. "SSO improves end user productivity and reduces IT costs."

"With SecureLogin and eDirectory, Novell has provided us with a cost-effective solution that will allow single password access to network information across multi-platforms without comprising the authentication and authorization controls that the existing multiple passwords' policy offered," added Caroline.

For enterprises such as BT that operate in highly heterogeneous environments, a compelling feature of Novell SecureLogin is its ability to deliver single sign-on functionality to virtually every application and environment. Additionally, Novell SecureLogin's tight integration with Novell eDirectory™ also enables SecureLogin to support Novell SecretStore™, a patented Novell repository located within individual eDirectory user objects. An individual user's application passwords and authentication credentials are stored within that individual's SecretStore and this storage method is more secure than other traditional single sign-on methods where all user passwords are grouped in a single vault.

Besides providing secure access to network resources with Novell's single sign-on technology, Novell is assisting BT in addressing the complexities of managing its highly heterogeneous network environment. With some 360 servers within its internal network, ensuring anywhere, anytime access to file and print resources is no easy task. The cross-platform capabilities of NetWare 6 will bring BT's existing disparate network resources together as one Net and will enable them to seamlessly function as a unified system. NetWare 6 will also bring new benefits such as pure Internet-based file and print and anywhere, anytime access to documents from any Web browser to address the shift towards remote and mobile working. Working with Novell Consulting, BT will upgrade/consolidate from NetWare 4.11 to NetWare 6 by March 2003.

"Security and interoperability are key concerns among businesses today," said Steve Brown, regional director, UK, Middle East& Africa, Novell. "BT's decision to choose Novell's solutions underlines our ability to help organizations address these concerns by delivering the technology tools that not only enable bullet proof security policies but also bring disparate networks together and create a secure, one Net environment."