Paul Abrahams wrote:
I'm doing some pro bono computer consulting for my local municipal offices, and as part of that project I've installed a Linux server that does automated backup (hurrah for rsync) and also provides a file repository. However, the town wants to get a Microsoft server because some of the network application they're getting (municipal taxes, accounting, etc.) assume that environment.
I'd very much like to head off that Microsoft server at the pass, but I can't expect any help from either the software vendors or the town officials. If I'm going to make the case for Linux here, I have to be able to provide the same functionality on a Linux machine that they expect from the Microsoft server. The town officials won't settle for second best. Is that a lost cause, or are there ways to do it? The software to be networked is specialized and proprietary.
Sounds like a lost cause, you are better off not fighting a hopeless battle. If they were asking for a solution with certain features and capabilities you would have a chance to introduce a Linux solution, but since they are already fixated on their proprietary stuff that demands Exchange, there is no option anymore for that. The only question is if everything has to be done with exchange or if you can restrict exchange to the proprietary stuff and have your linux server do everything else like mail, antivirus and imap. At least exchange shouldn't be allowed to be directly connected to the internet, that't the job for a linux box. Sandy -- List replies only please! Please address PMs to: news-reply2 (@) japantest (.) homelinux (.) com