Directory services are databases of information for storing, accessing, managing, and using different kinds of information about users and resources in a computing environment. Novell Directory Services (NDS) is an object-oriented implementation of directory services based on X.500 that allows one to build sophisticated naming schemes and databases across network-wide resources. The NDS architecture provides global access to all the network resources regardless of their physical location, forming a single information system.

NDS was developed as a hierarchical design with multi-levels of organizational units, users, groups, and other network resources. This structure is referred to as the directory tree. The directory tree is formed by organizing objects in a multi-level structure. The state of North Carolina has a statewide tree in place for all city and county agencies, state agencies, the K-12 school system, and community college system. There is also an area in the NC tree for other organizations who participate with approval.

NDS SERVICE AGREEMENT

1.   INTRODUCTION

The subscribing party must read and agree to the terms and conditions of this agreement prior to using the services, as specified below, provided by the North Carolina Office of Information Technology Services (ITS).

2.  SCOPE

ITS commits to providing support, maintenance, and planning for the State of North Carolina Novell directory Services (NDS) Tree only, whose tree designation is known as NC. Other locally implemented trees are not supported by ITS. State agencies may call and request assistance for said trees, however, the level of response provided is solely at the discretion of ITS management.

Within the NC tree, said agencies must abide by certain guidelines to facilitate tree integrity and the support measures provided by ITS. These guidelines are further described in the NDS Standards and Guidelines.

3.  TERM AND TERMINATION

By establishing an account or using the services, the client agrees to be bound by this Agreement. Continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of this Agreement and any future versions. If the client is dissatisfied with the Services or any related terms, conditions, rules, policies, guidelines, or practices, the client must terminate the Services. The client may terminate their account at any time and for any reason by providing notice of intent to terminate to ITS by:

• Telephone calls to the ITS Help Desk at 919-754-6000 or 1-800-722-3946
• Through the submission of a completed Request for Information/Service Form 3001 on the ITS web site.

Termination will be effective upon the client's receipt of a confirmation from ITS.

4.  SERVICES

ITS provide the following NDS services. For a detailed description of a service, select the service title.

Join State of NC Tree
Terminate participation in State of NC Tree
Schema Extensions
Directory Services Upgrades
Time synchronization
Master License Agreement support from Novell
Replicated server maintenance
Hourly Consulting Support
New NDS-aware application testing
NDS tree maintenance
NDS WorkGroup Document
Change Control Form
Current Schema Extensions
Major New Software Status
Server Minimum & Recommended Hardware
Netware 5.1 Hardware & Software Requirements
SLP Configuration in the NC Tree
Netware 6 Hardware & Software Requirements
Netware 6.5 Hardware & Software Requirements
Netware 6.5 Installation Procedures
Novell Client SLP Configuration

5.  RESPONSIBILITIES

Because of distributed responsibilities within the NC tree, the following responsibilities must be adhered to by the respective party.

• Directory Services Upgrades - If the client has locked ITS out of their container, the client must either grant ITS access in order to complete the upgrade or the client must complete the upgrade themselves within two weeks of notification.


• ITS Response Times


• Infrastructure Response


• Client Response
  (normal and emergency)


• Tree Access Availability - if there is an issue with a tree within the NC directory and ITS assistance is request to resolve it, the client must grant admin access and/or console access to ITS within 4 hours to resolve the NDS issues.


• FYI Notification - If a client is planning to install/delete servers of install/upgrade software that requires schema extensions, the client must notify ITS before making changes that may impact any part of the NC tree.

6.  BILLING INFORMATION

Currently ITS does not charge for the standard NDS services in managing the NC Tree. However, there are charges for a client's special requests such as tree design, integration assistance, and repair. Charges for special requests are available on a cost recovery basis. The actual charges, based upon billing rates approved by Enterprise Technology Strategies (ETS), will be used to calculate the invoice amount. If the client has a question with the billing information, the client should contact the NDS support team by contacting the ITS Help Desk.

7.  ACCEPTANCE

Submission of a request to establish a NDS server within the NC tree constitutes acceptance of this Agreement and any future versions.