Users can disconnect from networks from within Windows. The second series of features includes support for dial-out access from the network using a pool of modems. This means that corporations can leverage their investment in modems across their entire network of users, rather than have a modem at every desk. Novell has sold its Asychronous Communications Server software for sometime that supports this function. This product is being phased out and will be replaced by Connect.
Network administrators choose the appropriate scenario when the product is installed.
DCA's RLN doesn't include support for dial-out, although company representatives plan this support for release next year. NetWare Connect takes the best from both Shiva products and allows modems to be pooled, sharing the expense of any PC acting as a server, and also supports a variety of modems. The third leg in the Connect product is the ability to support both Macintosh and PC clients for the dial-in portion. Novell's Connect is exclusively for NetWare servers and clients only, although it does provide for support for IP protocols. RLN and Remote Office will support LAN Manager and Vines networks via the NDIS protocols, and Remote Office also offers native Lantastic support as well.