Date: May 27, 2000
Everyone knows about the tremendous growth in the number of NT file/print servers in the Enterprise. What many do not know about is the high cost of maintaining all of these servers. Ongoing costs include monitoring, updating, backing up, managing tapes, providing floor space, power, HVAC, etc.
One way to reduce these costs is to consolidate NT file/print services on AIX. The benefits include fewer systems to manage, and better scaleability (see attached presentation), reliability, and utilization of disk and tape drives.
I generally recommend either AIX Connections or Samba software to provide NT file/print services on AIX. Both have comparable performance and functionality. However AIX Connections lists for $1,495, where as Samba is freeware (http://www-frec.bull.fr/). AIX Connections is relatively easier to use, and is supported by IBM. Samba is a bit more complex and is not supported by IBM.
For more information, see http://www.redbooks.ibm.com and search for "SG24-5102".