Ubuntu Small Business Server

[Jack Daniel]

On 8/9/07, Kristian Erik Hermansen <kristian.hermansen at gmail.com> wrote:
> So what would it take to make this happen?  Let's lay it out.  I have
> never personally run SBS, so I don't have experience using/configuring
> whatever services it provides.  Who on this list does have that
> experience?

The key pieces of SBS are the Windows Server OS, IIS web server,
Exchange mail server and Active Directory domain server.  It addresses
the web, mail and collaboration components most small- mid business
*think* they need.  Also covers firewall, database and desktop
management.  Chart at
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/evaluation/features/default.mspx
Yes, MS wants your directory and domain control on a web server also
acting as your firewall.

SME offers most of this in a FOSS package, but unlike SBS, functions
can be spread over multiple boxes if needed.  Obviously, it doesn't
offer the Windows client patch management goodies or an AD domain- but
in a small business MS automatic updates and a Samba domain should be
good enough.  SME is pretty cool, all webmin controlled and pretty
easy to use (even for a Windows Weenie).  I just think that it could
really use some "Ubuntufication", and commercially available support.

Just to make sure everyone understands my angle- I am a Windows admin
by day, trying to wean myself off of MS by night. Also, I tend to
"think out loud", even in email, so if something I say or write seems
off, it probably is off.

Jack