TT will end support for IPX/DECnet/Appletalk, three old legacy network protocols still in use at Berkeley Lab, on December 31, 2005. This is long after the companies who invented them have stopped using them. Berkeley Lab follows SLAC, Stanford University, UC Berkeley and many other institutions that have transitioned out of these old technologies several years ago. Phasing out these legacy protocols will decrease desktop support costs, and increase IT's flexibility in selecting networking infrastructure equipment in the future.

Impact

TCP/IP is well supported by all modern computers. We feel that with reasonable efforts, there will be very little negative impact on Lab customers.

Although not entirely clear at this point, we feel the effort will range from very little (DECnet) to moderate (IPX, Appletalk).

IPX will be handled by an internal IT Division upgrade effort that will be undertaken to convert any user with an older Novell Client to a more recent TCP/IP-only version.

Appletalk will involve more discussion and interaction with our Macintosh customers in order to ensure that the transition goes smoothly. Note: IT will only be discontinuing Appletalk routing. Appletalk can still be used within a subnet if legacy Macs are still in use (although this too should be eliminated over time).

Appletalk Transition Plan

The first step in removing Appletalk is development of a Web site that will be used to further brainstorm the problem, develop solutions, and communicate the effort to our customers.

Next Steps

1. Improve the Web site with Berkeley Lab-specific FAQ and HOW-TO material that will assist users and support staff in making the transition.
2. Solicit feedback from members of the LBNL Macintosh Users Group (LBNL-MUG). (They have a Web page and mailing list that might be of general interest to Berkeley Lab employees.)
3. Conduct three case studies at the Lab, where we can test our assumptions and work with customers to implement the transition.