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.
Paul - can you elaborate? What is the software? Is it a COTS solution?
I'd very much like to head off that Microsoft server at the pass, but
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
I can't provide the
same functionality on a Linux machine that they expect from the Microsoft server.
Unfortunately, a Linux server won't get a virus once a year. In addition, you won't be able to argue that it needs to be shut down periodically in order to apply patches. Government types like that because they can justify more time off. Oh, and stop calling Windows 2003 a "server" product. It is a workstation. You're out of luck.
The town officials won't settle for second best.
Then why the <blank> are they looking at a Windows Workstation to handle server functionality?
Is that a lost cause, or are there ways to do it? The software to be networked is specialized and proprietary.
Again, I think you need to approach this by determining what the software is and why exactly they need to use it over non proprietary solutions. I know it is a tough call. Two of my staff were talking today about a problem one had this weekend with a Windows machine. Something about spyware, I think. Anyway, I mentioned to the one that he should upgrade to Linux, like I have. The reply was, "but then I can't play my games!" Of course, I explained Cedega and VMWare but was unsuccessful. -- kai ponte www.perfectreign.com linux - genuine windows replacement part
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Kai Ponte