[lugm.org] Linux Solution for Small Business

[Jochen Kirstätter]

Hello Nicolas,

Nice infrastructure. Following some thoughts...

On 07/07/2010 09:04 AM, BASTON wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm trying to find out what Linux solution is best for our company 
> where we actually use Win Xp.
> Here are some details about our company hardware, layout and requirements:
>
> Computer Network Proposed.jpg
> Current Server specs:
> Hp ML310 G5p x3220 | 2.40Ghz | 2GB RAM | 2 X 500GB Embedded NC326i 
> Dual Integrated Gigabit NICs HP P212/ZM Smart Array Controller | 
> windows server 2008

Your server is sufficient enough to serve the whole network. What I do 
not understand is the situation that your ADSL modem is directly 
connected to the switch instead of behind a machine (server, firewall, 
etc). Usually, the setup should be similar like this:

Clients --- Switch --- Server/Firewall --- ADSL Modem

This provides internet connection for all with a decent level of 
protection from outside attacks due to the firewall on the edge of your 
network.


> Basic application and operation requirements for each user would be:

You might have a general overview here:

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Alternatives

>     * Office editing
>

OpenOffice.org is a good alternative and runs on Linux, Windows and 
other platforms. This offers you the possibility of a mixed client usage 
in case that you might require some workstations to stay on Windows - 
for whatever reasons...

>     * Internet access
>

While changing the network setup no problem (as stated above).

>     * Possibility to use Gmail with the offline mode option
>

You can use ie. Thunderbird together with GMail. This might give your 
users a more complete experience.

>     * Light photo editing
>

See alternative application in the Ubuntu Guide. I use Google Picasa 
since years and it's ok for my needs.

>     * Accounting software / Quickbook 2002 alternative
>

Sorry, no answer from my side...
Quickbooks should run on wine as well. You might have a look at the 
compatibility list.

>     * Ability to use network printers
>

CUPS comes to the rescue. No problem.

>     * Fast access to USB drives
>

Drives are usually auto-mounted on current Linux systems. But even 
connecting drives to a server so that they are accessible through the 
network is possible.

>     * Ability to run Real Estate software, Activimmo
>       <http://www.activimmo.com/> through emulator (works fine with
>       Wine) OR from Server2008 through RDP
>
If it works fine with wine, then ok stick with it.
Additionally, you might have a look at commercial forks of wine like ie. 
CrossOver or Cedega. Here at IOS we work with CrossOver because wine 
does not give full support for some applications that we use for our 
software development.

>     * Set different levels of permissions to access data on Server
>

Integrated. There's also the option to setup LDAP for centralized user 
management, similar to Active Directory on Windows.

>     * Backup ?
>
Tons of solutions available. Just choose whatever pleases you... ;)

> I was recently suggested to keep Server 2008 and set up Ubuntu on 
> standalone computers or thin clients

Well, based on the fact that the Windows Server 2008 license is already 
there, I recommend to virtualize it and run it on top of your physical 
hardware. One machine, two operating systems. This is quite handy and 
flexible in case that you might run into troubles with specific Windows 
applications that cannot executed in wine. Therefore, you can still 
install and use them on Windows Server 2008 using RDP. RDP clients for 
Linux are available since years.

-- 
Kind regards.

A. Because it breaks the logical sequence of discussion
Q. Why is top posting bad?

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