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Linux small business servers compared
Out of the Box
In 2000, Microsoft introduced its Small Business Server and practically invented the category at the same time, but the company no longer offers the product today. In the world of Linux, however, a number of servers and platforms wrestle for the favor of small companies that must provide things like print and data services in heterogeneous networks.
Small business servers are tailored to the needs of small businesses with 10 to 50 employees, even if the idea of running all services on a single server is a hair-raising thought for admins of large companies. However, as a rule, they also have access to an extensive battery of tools for deployment, virtualization, backup, and monitoring, as well as a hierarchical team of staff to care for it. If, for example, you forget about theoretical ideals for a contemporary IT organization and take a close look at how small companies really work, the following picture becomes clear: Usually, there's no full-time administrator. If there is one, it is someone with above-average IT knowledge. Often, an ex-web designer or an electronics/PLC specialist with IT knowledge limited to Windows is given the responsibility.
Cross Section
A common denominator of the products designated as small business servers – in contrast to normal Linux servers – is the availability of management functions through a graphical user interface. A GUI caters to the target group: admins with limited Linux know-how. Often, this takes the form of a web interface.
The market offers plenty of alternatives in this sector. Univention, one of the best known manufacturers, offers Univention Corporate Server (UCS) [1] both as a pure infrastructure solution, as well as with installed applications, such as a Groupware stack . Moreover, a number of third-party products and manufacturers base their products on a certified UCS
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