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MS Windows 2000 Small Business Server Linux alternative?
Please could somebody advise me as to the feasibility of deploying a single server Linux solution in place of Microsoft Windows 2000 Small Business Server.
My brother has a small company. He has a total of around five members of staff each with a PC Desktop connected via a peer to peer network. The PC Desktops have either Windows XP with Office XP or Windows 98 with Office 97.
Currently printing is shared off of one of the PC’s and so is access to the Internet (via a 56k modem). E-mail is only possible (via a pop3 ISP) from a single PC so if individuals are awaiting e-mail they wait for the PC to be vacated in order to check their mail or ask for any messages to be printed (as they all currently appear in the one inbox).
He has been looking at Microsoft Windows 2000 Small Business Server as a simple single server solution in order to create a better groupware / e-mail environment for everyone plus a better file & print services environment that would be easier to back-up. This was also going to enable shared Internet and fax services.
However, the asking price for the software alone is in the region of £1500 (RRP). Would it be possible to create a similar simple environment with a Linux Server? I appreciate that the group calendar tools would be limited but does Linux offer a more economical and viable alternative?
If yes, please could you recommend the elements required.
Regards,
Dec
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