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Case Study
Managing subscription-based computing
Novell’s SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and eDirectory
have helped Novatium Solutions provide scalable, secure and integrated user
authentication. By Vinita Gupta
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 "We
found that the combination of
Novell’s SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and eDirectory were able to
provide enterprise-class scalability and integrated user authentication,
management and security"
- Saugata Chakrabarti
VP-BD and CIM,
Novatium
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Novatium Solutions, a Chennai-based IT company is committed
to bring computing to billions of users. The company opted to build its entire
infrastructure on the Novell Open Workgroup Suite, with Novell Identity Manager
and eDirectory providing control over users and their access rights. The Novell
Open Workgroup Suite is an infrastructure and productivity solution that happens
to include SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
A cost-effective platform
Novatium created a totally new approach—subscription-based computing, using
a Nova netPC device that costs less than 10% the price of an industry standard
PC. This device connects to the Novatium service and offers access to centrally
hosted applications, the Internet, games and more.
Saugata Chakrabarti, VP-BD and CIM (Chief Information Officer), Novatium Solutions
revealed that users need an access device that is affordable and appliance-like,
a device whose capabilities are supported by a multipurpose technology platform.
He added, “The challenge was to build a simple, reliable
and secure central infrastructure that would scale up from tens of thousands
to millions of customers, supporting the applications, data storage and connectivity
at a low total cost of operation.”
The evaluation
Novatium reviewed several solutions for the central server operating system,
user login management and user software packages. The central servers would
need to manage thousands of user logins, with tailored user profiles and permissions
to use particular services. Unlike most corporate systems, peak workload for
Novatium would be concentrated into a few hours between noon and evening time,
and the system would need to scale up quickly as more subscribers joined.
Chakrabarti added, “We found that the combination of Novell’s SUSE
Linux Enterprise Server and eDirectory were able to provide enterprise-class
scalability and integrated user authentication, management and security.”
The implementation was done in October 2007. Novatium implemented the solution
at its data center and two NOC sites.
During implementation it was important for Novatium to understand the way in
which an ISP operates. “This was our challenge which eventually shaped
our product and solution. Beyond this, the next big challenge is to understand
the consumer’s personal IT needs and provide for all those needs within
our ecosystem. This challenge is driving us to partner with various global players
and local leaders,” stated Chakrabarti.
| Company
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Novatium Solutions, a subscription-based
computing provider |
| Solution |
Novell Open Workgroup Suite, with Novell
Identity Manager and eDirectory |
| Aim of the implementation |
To build a simple, reliable and secure
central infrastructure that would scale up from tens of thousands to millions
of customers, supporting the applications, data storage and connectivity
at a low total cost of operations. |
| Year/Time of implementation |
October 2007 |
| Challenges faced |
To understand the way an ISP operates,
understand the consumer's personal IT needs and provide for all those needs
within the ecosystem |
| Benefits |
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and Novell
eDirectory was able to provide enterprise-class scalability and integrated
user authentication, management and security |
Managing a huge subscriber base
Novatium subscribers can choose between the Microsoft Office
Suite of applications and the OpenOffice.org Application Suite. The Novell Edition
of OpenOffice.org is an open source productivity suite and offers full compatibility
with Microsoft Office files. There is no need to purchase a full PC or application
software licenses—this allows Novatium to bring complete computing into
homes at a fraction of the cost of traditional approaches.
Chakrabarti said, “Novell eDirectory is a mature, robust product that allows
Novatium to manage authentication, user profiles and attributes from a single
point of control. Novell eDirectory makes it easy for us to set-up, manage and
monitor user access, even for a large numbers of subscribers.”
As subscriber numbers grow, new data centers will be added and it will be essential
to maintain the OS and the application software. Novell ZENworks Suite helps
the company distribute and maintain software updates from its Chennai headquarters
without the need for additional local staff, which keeps costs low and delivers
the best possible service to customers.
The company recently announced a tie-up with MTNL for the launch of its Nova
netPC.
Chakrabarti revealed, “We have the Nova netPC with an ADSL connection built-in
for the Indian market. This is an unique feature for a smart, thin client. We
are getting ready for wireless broadband connectivity with WiMax in our product.”
For these users, Novatium has built an affordable and simple technology platform
that provides an array of comprehensive computing solutions.
vinita.gupta@expressindia.com
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