#Network CDROM Server
10 messages in this thread
Our company is intrested in setting up a CDROM server for products like
Computer Select. We are basically a Netware 3.11 shop with 20 servers and about
800+ users. We would like a CDROM player with 4 players from one server for
everyone to use. Another concern is that the manufacturers have intrest in
moving to Netware 4.0 and Windows NT. Reliabilty and performance are an
absolute must.
We have heard of Meridian CD NET which has it's own CPU (this sounds
intresting, but it might not be flexible). Opti-Net we heard has problems
during the initial configuraton and reliability. We currently use Micro Design
Internationals' SCSI express software with a single attached NEC CD player.
This has provided excellent services, so far, so we do have intrest in using
their own MDI cdrom products. So here's the question. WHAT DO WE USE?
Art Brieva
CMP Publications, Inc.
Manhasset N.Y. 11030
Art, I don't have an answer to your question, but your message tickled my
interest…We're on Novell 3.11 and would like to set up a CDR on the network.
We have an NEC-74, and would appreciate what you recommend to give access over
the network? Thanks (and good luck g getting your question answered). Craig.
Craig,
Right now we simply use MicroDesign's Software to share the Nec CD from
the Netware File server. It simply loads several MicroDesign drivers for your
SCSI controllers. It really works great and is simple to use! (Just read the
Manual first, believe me I know its a burden.)
Art Brieva
You can also buy an NLM version of CD NET. This NLM version supports all
CD-ROM device functions, like our stand-alone CD NET product. It also supports
native Netware access like SCSI EXPRESS (this feature was just added in our
latest release, 4.40).
Hi Matt!
I guess your a technical rep?! What would be the benefit over SCSI
express?
Art Brieva
As a former, and admittedly disgrunltled, employee of Meridian Data, I still
would like to recommend the CD Net solution. I have looked for a better
alternative, but not found it. I wothhold my recommendation for other meridian
products, but the CD Net is absolutly the BEST [D [Dwhen it comes to networking
CD-ROMs. Get the solftware-only [product, you can build your own server out of
available hardware.
I'm sorry, Do you mean by the software only? Or did you mean the entire server
package. I thought the CD NET product was the server package.
And why do you recommend this product? (just curious)
Thanks for your response!
Art Brieva
CD Net comes as an integrated solution, which includes the "tower" of CD-ROM
drives, with a CPU, SCSI controller, and network card, along with the software;
or as a "software only" solution, which you can run on y your own hardware. All
you need is a CPU (286-486), with any number of CD-ROM drives (bus or SCSI
controlled),with a network card, to buy the software only. Any workstation can
be turned into a CD-ROM server. The hardware is very nice, and VERY expensive,
if you buy the integrated so ution. For large networks, and in the case that
you don't want to mess with building your own CD-ROM server, it's perfect.
However, if you have a limite budget, and if you aren't reluctant to build your
own, you can buy the software only. I like CD Net because I was once technical
lead for the product. I know how it works and I know the people who wrote the
software, and I also know something about the competition.
Hi Dana! Long time… Couldn't resist putting in my two sense: If we're just
talking PC networks then CD-Net is the winner. But when will Meridien come out
with MAC support like SCSI Express 1.3? These hybrid situations are popping up
more frequently. And what we REALLY need/want is for Novell to support the
things directly!
Also, read the book and have recommended it to a few customers. If you're at
Online in NY, stop by the booth. Gregg — SilverPlatter
Greg, so nice to hear from you. As you know, I no linger work for Meridian. Ask
Matt Seitz about Meridian's plans for Mac support. People have been asking for
it for years. As you may NOT know, Meridian dropped their Mac CD-ROM publishing
products a couple of years ago, so what does that tell you? Meridian does offer
an NLM CD Net, but I have no experience with it Thanks for the praise about the
book, I'm so glad you liked it. I don't think I'll be at Online, but I'm sure I
will run into you eventually, and when I do, I'll autograph it for you, if you
like. I now work for Optical Publishing in Fort Collins, CO – we have mainframe
CD-ROM development products and services.
Dana