To view the Report card on NFS Client Software.
To view the Report card on NFS Server Software.
We tested Century Software's TERM Professional 3.3 for Windows, Esker's Tun NET, Frontier Technologies Corp.'s SuperNFS, FTP Software's InterDrive Client 3.0 for NT, Hummingbird Communications' NFS Maestro Client, Intergraph Software Solutions' DiskAccess, NetManage's Chameleon UNIXLink 97, Network Computing Devices' Marathon for Windows95 and NT, and WRQ's Reflection NFS Connection for NT version 6.1.

On the server side, we tested Attachmate Corp.'s PathWay Server NFS for Windows NT version 1.0, FTP Software's InterDrive Server 2.0 for NT, Hummingbird Communications' NFS Maestro Server and Intergraph Software Solutions' DiskShare.

Although NFS servers for Windows NT are fewer in number, both in installa tions and products, numerous NFS servers are vying for your business. We tested only servers that are sold separat ely. Many of the client packages include a bundled NFS server, however they typically are not of the same caliber as production-class solutions. Nevertheless, the level of the servers we tested is nothing less than world class. FTP Software's solution, and to some extent Hummingbird Communications', outpaced our Sun Microsystems Solaris 2.5.1 Server in raw NFS performance.

NFS Clients For Windows NT
FTP Software's InterDrive Client took top billing in the NFS client arena with rock-solid stability and rich configuration options. WRQ's Reflection NFS Connection and Hummingbird Communications' NFS Maestro Client followed close behind. WRQ had better performance numbers but offered less reliability, while Hummingbird Communications' was hurt only by it steep price ($28,100 for 100 users).

Performance, configuration options, stability and available features formed the core of our evaluation of NFS clients. We tested the performance of each client while it was engaged in rigorous file operatio ns for 30 minutes with a Sun Microsystems Solaris 2.5.1 server (see "NFS Clients: How We Tested" on page 142). Configuration options, such as server-specific settings and login information were held in high regard. Stability or reliability issues, such as interruptions in operation of our workstation or unacceptable hangs and crashes, also were factored into the overall evaluation. Feature sets, including NIS (Network Information System) support and extensions to the NT shell (right-click menu items and additional property tabs), as well as cost rounded out our evaluation criteria.

FTP Software InterDrive Client 3.0 For NT
FTP Software's InterDrive Client took top honors with excellent configuration options and the reliability necessary for productivity within a tight budget. However, if speeds and feeds are high on your list, we fo und InterDrive's performance to be noticeably short of Reflection's and NFS Maes tro's outstanding numbers. Rich features, including server and NFS export aliases as well as disk-quota information, distinguish InterDrive from the rest of the crowd. Extensive shell extensions and user and systemwide setting options complete InterDrive's no-nonsense approach--all at a good price. We found InterDrive to be a good choice for quick and reliable NFS connectivity.

To download an Adobe Acrobat .pdf format version of the NFS Client features charts, click here.

To download an Adobe Acrobat .pdf format version of the NFS Server features charts, click here.