Linux Small Business Server
Posted: March 14th, 2006 | Author: telcor | Filed under: Business with Linux, Information Technology (IT), Linux | No Comments »One thing really needed in the Linux space is a corresponding setup like MS Small Business Server. For those unfamiliar with SBS, here are some quick bullets:
- Windows Server 2003
- Exchange
- ISA
- Easy remote access to desktop (Remote Web Workplace), Email (Outlook Web Access), Intranet files, and more
- Inexpensive (USD$600 for 5 clients)
- Very well integrated
- SQL Server on t Premium version
Now, the various Linux distros can easily compete point by point, but not in an easily configured, integrated manner. The admin tools are excellent for small companies. By answering some 42 questions during install, the OS, email, firewall, DNS, Active Directory and remote access are configured. While 42 seems like a lot, this is targeted at companies and small IT departments, not the user that jumps into things without planning.
I would very much like to see a solution similar to SBS from the Linux world. Especially one that is inexpensive (note: I am not refering to support contracts. Such is not included in the SBS cost), and easy to setup (you can completely install and configure SBS in a couple hours).