Let me say upfront that I like Linux in general, and RedHat in particular. And (heresy!) I like MS products.
2 questions: -- what about the architectural/accounting package? -- who will maintain the OS and other various software updates? As far as dependability - when properly configured and used as intended, MS Servers are _very_ reliable. Cases in point: -- I have a Windows NT Server which has been processing our HTTP, SMTP and POP3 for more than 5 years. Total downtime is measured in hours, all of it in upgrading the web server software (not MS) and MS patches. We don't use it for anything other that what I spec'ed it for - a server. -- I have a Windows NT Server, used for user network authentication and print server. It's been in place for more than 5 years, less downtime than the web server. Again, it's used as intended and for nothing else. -- I have another WinNT Server, used as the Backup PDC, as the system console to our iSeries, and as an FTP server. Similar downtime as our other servers. The only time we've had trouble with any Windows box is because of lame users who install the latest worm or virus. Linux is less prone to that problem for now, but will not remain so as Linux desktops become more prevalent. And unmaintained Linux servers have a big ol' target on them, which will only get bigger over time. As for cost: did you (or the admin) consider Microsoft's Partner In Development program? It runs about US$1000/year, and gets you the latest Windows Server software, workstation software (XP these days), Office software, etc. With licenses for multiple installs of the non-Server software. Not a bad way to go, if you qualify. Maintenance, training and upgrades: these are some of the "hidden costs" that the Linux community is too often mum about - and some that you and the admin should have already discussed... Tom Hightower Solutions, Inc http://www.simas.com Stephen Kuhn <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent by: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 08/20/2003 01:49 AM Please respond to redhat-list To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] cc: Subject: Sweet Success I just want to relate the happiness I have over the successful installation of yet another RedHat server for a small business customer of mine; They were in need of a low-cost, dependable server machine to be used as a file server and a printer server - a machine on which they could load a high-end architectural/accounting package; originally they were faced with spending upwards of $6000 (for a MS type box, of course); my total "drop in" cost for the box ended up being $2200 - loaded with RH9 + updates, Samba, MySQL, using SENDMAIL/FETCHMAIL/PROCMAIL + SpamAssassin, F-Prot and ClamAV - as well as being the gateway for an 802.11b 2.4ghz network in our area. Actual software load and configuration was one evening here at home - about 2 hours total; drop in on site with client machine configurations was one day. Done deal. No dramas, no sweat, no problems. Even had time to show the admin how to use VNC to access the server desktop; script was setup to backup to CDRW once per week. EZ as pie. Had this have been a Windows box I would have spent three days with it - for one thing or another - I'm used to that crap, and the monstrous size of the patches/updates/fixes. So, for anyone with any doubts, it's really easy - it's really simple. Plus, the customer was more than happy to know that they have IMAP/POP functionality, a proxy (privoxy) and a firewall - without license fees and BS associated. They even have a nice big round RH sticker on the front door now...(couldn't say "No" to the admin - was her idea). -- Wed Aug 20 16:35:01 EST 2003 16:35:01 up 2 days, 19:01, 1 user, load average: 0.29, 0.16, 0.05 ----------------------------------------------------------------- | __ __ | illawarra computer services | | /-oo /| |'-. | http://kma.0catch.com | | .\__/ || | | |================================| | _ / `._ \|_|_.-' | stephen kuhn | | | / \__.`=._) (_ | email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] | ----------------------------------------------------------------- linux user #:267497 linux machine #:194239 * MDK 9.1+ & RH 9 Mandrake Linux Kernel 2.4.21-11mdk Cooker for i586 ----------------------------------------------------------------- * This message was composed on a 100% Microsoft free computer * The Martian landed his saucer in Manhattan, and immediately upon emerging was approached by a panhandler. "Mister," said the man, "can I have a quarter?" The Martian asked, "What's a quarter?" The panhandler thought a minute, brightened, then said, "You're right! Can I have a dollar?" -- redhat-list mailing list unsubscribe mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] https://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/redhat-list -- redhat-list mailing list unsubscribe mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] https://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/redhat-list
