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Linux Server equivalent to SBS Standard 2011 features
Hi, I haven't touched Linux since 2002 (Red Hat) so I am very rusty, I look after 40 or so SBS 2011 and since MS killed 2011 I need to find a cheaper way for our clients than 2012, so my question is: is there a Linux server equivalent to SBS 2011 that can handle (exchange or at least IMAP), Desktop Roaming profile, Remote Desktop Access, windows printer sharing, Automatic Map Network drives, Web-server, Join Domain etc I think you get the picture. What would you recommend that is user friendly for a rusty guy. I don't mind if it costs up to $1000 either, Thanx in advance
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Yes, that's also why I posted it ... It's one of the best alternatives ... But people need choice :)
ASKER
Thanx Office 365 too expensive when you have 30 - 70 staff, igaware looks ok but doesn't say how much any ideas? Cheers
What does an Igaware Server cost?
Servers start from £395 and support and updates start from £50 a month. Please get in touch for a quote.
That's from the site, you can find it under Faqs...
ASKER
Thank you both zentyal also look good which spravtek also sent me the link, have to get in touch for prices, I'll download soon... I'll wait till tomorrow let you know
Great, do let us know which one you will go for ... Always interesting to have input like that.
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Just been reading some of the feedbacks on Zentyle and its all mixed up some saying its good and some saying you don't receive much support or very slow support even with the commercial version, I need an OS that's reliable no ongoing fees someone on that site was recommending ClearOS any way just finished downloading Zentyle see how it goes but again no mention of price, the only thing I like about SBS 2011 was it was a fixed price.
ClearOS is not bad, but I don't think it's really "Exchange Friendly" ...
I tried ClearOS a couple of years ago, and it was definitely not up to the standard of Zentyal. Zentyal has worked fine for me, and I haven't needed any support, the only issue being as I mentioned , upgrades. But that is a small problem, and in any case if you compare with SBS server, that never offered any direct and easy upgrade to a next version.
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ASKER
Thanx Lee, the issue is with new SBS 2012 it's no longer one of fee but MS will charge monthly fee per user for exchange and MS SQL at $12/m per user for let's say 70 users that's $840 / m plus the initial cost of software which is about $3000 so Linux will be a lot cheaper option but you are right I will have to get back into it, I use to be a Unix system admin at few universities here in Australia I don't think it might have change that much well except you have heaps better Gui interface cheers
ASKER
Thank you all for tips, I am going to try all the options starting with Zentyal (which by the way is a good name for a Drug / medication) I tried to share the points / love amongst you as you were all helpful, Thank you
I'm not sure what you're referring to. Microsoft Offers Office 365 that they charge a monthly fee for... but you can still buy Exchange, Exchange CALs, and Windows server outright. I assume you mean 2012 Essentials when you say SBS 2012. You can integrate Exchange with that and with a single server license, you can run essentials and Exchange on a separate server (assuming you virtualize (and you should)).
http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=zentyal
http://zentyal.org