Universal Password is designed to supply backward compatibility to existing services. By default, passwords changed with this service can be synchronized to the simple and NDS passwords on the User object (you can choose which passwords you want to have synchronized by using the Password Management plug-in). This way, NetWare 6 and 5.1 servers running Native File Access protocols for Windows and Apple* native workstations continue to have their passwords function properly. Novell Client software earlier than the Novell Client for Windows version 4.9 or the Novell Client for Windows version 3.4, which don't take advantage of NMAS, also have their passwords continue to function properly.
The exception to this is the use of international characters in passwords. Because the character translations are different for older clients, the actual values no longer match. Customers who have deployed Web-based or LDAP services and who use international passwords have already seen these problems and have been required to change passwords so they do not include international characters. We recommend that all servers be upgraded to NetWare 6.5 and all Novell Client software be upgraded in order for full, system-wide international passwords to function properly.
The Novell NetWare Storage Management Servicesā¢ (SMS) infrastructure is used for Novell and third-party backup and restore applications. Additionally, the Novell Server Consolidation utility, Distributed File Services Volume Move, and Server Migration utilities use SMS as their data management infrastructure. The system passwords used by these Novell and third-party products cannot contain extended characters if they are to function in a mixed environment of NetWare 4, 5, and 6 servers. However, when all servers are upgraded to NetWare 6.5, extended character passwords can be used.
NOTE:Refer to Novell TID 3065822 to see which applications and services are Universal Password-capable, as well as which applications and services are extended character-capable. Many applications and services can use extended characters without Universal Password.
The following table shows the expected behavior of Universal Password when it is enabled and interacts with older services.
Table 2-2 Behavior of Enabled Universal Password