In some installations, backup is only performed on files kept in user directo ries on the server. Other installations actually back up user drives, provided the systems were left on during their backup interval. The Notes scenario for shared files also provides the mechanism to back up any files the user keeps in a personal database. There are a number of suitable Unix backup systems that have Windows agents that will back up PC hard drives in the same way their NetWare compatriots do. Finding Alternatives With a little bit of effort, it is possible to show that the file server that became central to our network architecture is maintaining that position out of historical perspective, rather than out of necessity.
Alternatives do exist.
We can refocus our architecture review on what we wish to provide our users. A simplified architecture is one of services emanating from distributed, enterprise application servers to potentially mobile workstations. In this paradigm, the workstation has all of the software it needs to work, no matter how or where it is, or is not connected to the network. The application servers are sized to meet the demands of an enterprise, not a small workgroup. Traditional NetWare services are now viewed as just a few more applications to be served.