Interoperability

The typical network in a medium to large enterprise is completely heterogeneous, so interoperability between and among operating systems is imperative. For improved interoperability, Windows 2000

• Communicates natively with UNIX and NetWare 5 and later systems, using Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). For Netware 3 and Netware 4, Windows 2000 uses the NWLink (IPX/SPX) protocol.
• Provides services for file and print sharing with UNIX, NetWare, Macintosh, and IBM (this last using SNA Server).
• Supports Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) software, Message Queuing Services, and Component Object Model (COM+) so that new applications can interoperate with existing software and data.

In addition, if you deploy Active Directory you can integrate multiple namespaces under various operating systems into one unified and easily manageable directory. Information on interoperating with Novell NetWare is covered in Chapter 21. Specifics about UNIX interoperability are covered in Chapter 22. Chapter 23 describes how to use Macintosh Services on a Windows 2000 network.