Linux – what is it and what can it do for me?
Microsoft has dominated the desktop market for some considerable time - almost all PC’s come pre-loaded with some form of Microsoft OS, currently Windows XP. On top of that you often end up purchasing additional software such as Microsoft Office to provide programs like Word and Outlook. The advantage to this has been a standardisation of formats over recent years - if we all use Word then if you send a document to someone the likelihood is they will be able to open and read it.
The big disadvantage to this is that Microsoft has you in its pocket! It can charge whatever it likes for its products as there is no competition and it can make mistakes but not be punished for them - after all what are you going to use instead!
Well there is an emerging alterative. The Linux operating system has been around for many years but until recently has only been used by geeks and big businesses. Based upon an open source architecture there are now many desktop offerings based upon Linux but the big new player in this market is Novell. Novell are now offering a fully supported Linux desktop called SUSE Linux, which includes a familiar look and feel desktop, a copy of Open Office (a Microsoft Office clone, fully compatible with the Office file Formats) and an email client compatible with all the major email server systems.
It may be early days but there are big savings to be made – particularly in Office Licencing costs. NetVector is evaluating the Novell Linux offering carefully and will be looking to its customer base to setup trials – if you would like to be involved please contact us.
Small Business Server Solutions:
Most offices today are benefiting from the use of computers to some degree, from simple word processing to large databases of customer information. Email is quickly becoming a standard method of customer contact and indeed is expected by many customers. Businesses that do not invest in their IT systems will quickly lose out to the competition!
Traditionally server based solutions have been expensive for the small business - the hardware and software costs have been high and maintenance of the systems is also a worry. To help alleviate some of these problems both of the major server solution providers have produced special Small Business versions of their products, these are known as:
Novell Small Business Suite 6.5 - FREE for up to 5 users!
This product was recently launched by Novell following the success of NetWare 6 Small Business suite. It is based upon the highly reliable NetWare 6.5 and includes Groupwise 6.5 (for email and calendaring), Internet access to the desktop via Border Manager, file and print solutions and remote connectivity. It is also available up to a maximum of 100 licences.
Microsoft Small Business Server 2003
This product is based upon the proven technology of Microsoft Windows 2003 server and includes Microsoft Exchange (for email), Internet access to the desktop, faxing from the desktop, printing, file storage and remote connectivity solutions. It is available up to a maximum of 50 licences and there are two versions, Standard and Premium - which has the additional benefits of ISA server and SQL server.
NetVector has carried out extensive testing and installations of both products and can advise which would be most suitable for an organisation. Prices for the software are very competitive compared to buying in the individual components (e.g. a seperate email system) and the configuration can be tailored to suit an organisations specific needs.
