| Xandros debuts a Linux-based replacement for Windows Small Business Server |
Apr. 25, 2006
Xandros Inc., a leading Linux desktop distributor, took its time but after almost two years, the company finally launched its server operating system, Xandros Server, on April 25 at the LinuxWorld Toronto.
Rather than try to take on the likes of Red Hat's RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) or Novell's SLES (SUSE Linux Enterprise Server) head-on, Xandros is positioning its new server for SMBs (small-to-medium businesses) that want to cut down their Windows server management costs.
The company claims that Xandros Server is a seamless replacement for any file, print, or groupware server for enterprises and SMBs, and that it will cut workload management by 30 percent through the automation of administrative tasks. Further, Xandros says, the server is compatible with any existing Windows domain and networking topology, making it the perfect alternative for SMBs that are looking to minimize down-time, cut support costs, increase performance, and exploit new features.
One of Xandros Server's major selling points is that it's meant to be a drop-in Windows Server replacement. To do this, it includes Windows networking services and tools to seamlessly migrate Windows domain accounts to Linux.
In addition, it includes a consolidated system graphical administration and workflow automation console. The Xandros Management Console (XMC), with built-in wizards, provides centralized component configuration, system monitoring and user management, enabling administrators with little or no Linux experience to remotely administer a multi-server environment, according to the company.
The idea is to provide Windows-trained administrators with an interface they can use to easily manage a multi-server environment without any specialized Linux training or certification. This is intended to enable companies to make a smooth transition from W2K, Windows Server 2003, and their Small Business Server versions to Linux without undue consultant or training costs.
Of course, core to many SMBs along with the usual Windows services is Exchange email servers. To deal with this issue, Xandros has integrated a version of Scalix Corp's Enterprise Edition with the operating system. This groupware server comes with Exchange interoperability, group calendaring, support for wireless email/PIM, and automated migration tools. This server supports a broad range of rich email clients including Outlook, Evolution, wireless devices (including BlackBerry, Treo. and Smartphones), and POP/IMAP clients, according to Xandros.
Xandros Server is also the first Linux to include a complete media encoding and delivery system. It does this by incorporating RealNetworks Inc.'s RealProducer and Helix Server. This enables administrators to use the server as both a streaming audio and video server.
"We took a solution-oriented approach to creating Xandros Server by doing a massive amount of engineering up front, so as to make the benefits of Linux server technology accessible to enterprise administrators and SMBs," Xandros CEO Andreas Typaldos stated.
Additionally, Xandros is trying to make its new server an attractive play for its channel partners. "We can now provide our channel partners and customers with end-to-end Debian Linux solutions that follow the Xandros philosophy of seamless integration and ease of use," Typaldos added.
Xandros says it is actively looking for partners who are interested in Linux as a major part of their business.
The Xandros Server will be available for purchase and download from the company's website on May 1. The boxed product, which includes an administrator's manual, will be available from resellers worldwide.
A licensed copy of the Server will sell at a list price of $449.99. Volume purchase discounts are also available. This may be installed on a single server with up to 4 processors. The package also includes 90 days of installation technical support via email.
-- Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols
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