Implementing Large NT Networks in a Heterogeneous Computing Environment at SLAC

Similar to most research labs, Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) has multiple computing platforms. But in the recent two years, there has been a tremendous growth of Windows NT at SLAC. We have encouraged this due to the popularity and availability of Windows-based software, and to the fact that Windows NT has system management tools. In this paper, we describe implementing a new support infrastructure and the use of Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS)–both needed to migrate the lab quickly from the chaotic characteristics of desktop computing to a more centrally-managed NT network. We also describe the use of NTrigue servers for UNIX and Macintosh users to access Windows-based software in this heterogeneous environment.