Windows NT has built-in support for major network topologies including Ethernet (and variations such as 10BaseT), Token Ring, and ArcNet®, with built-in support for major network protocols, including TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI, DECnet™, XNS, OSI, Server Message Block (SMB), Netware Control Protocol (NCP), and AppleTalk®. Windows-based desktops can be seamlessly connected not only to Microsoft network servers based on Windows NT Advanced Server, but also to Novell Netware (versions 2.x, 3.x and 4.x), Banyan VINES, IBM OS/2 LAN Server®, LAN Manager, DEC™ PathWorks®, Network File System (including Sun® NFS running on UNIX systems), and the Apple® Macintosh®.
SNA Server supports all major SNA connectivity options for IBM mainframe and AS/400® host-based systems. Windows NT Server supports multiple desktop client platforms including MS-DOS, Windows, Windows NT, Apple Macintosh, IBM OS/2 2.x, and all varieties of UNIX.
SQL Server and various Microsoft Solution Developers and Providers partners, including MDI and Information Builders, offer gateway connectivity to a variety of data formats including ORACLE®, DB2®, Informix®, Ingres™, Btrieve®, VSAM and IMS files.