Optimus recently completed a project supplying an Open Source Small Business Server system to a leading creative design and marketing agency.

The primary requirement was for a server to replace all the functionality of the existing Microsoft Small Business Server and expand upon its capabilities, notably by introducing the option of Primary and Backup Domain Controllers.

Working with the client, we established that, the most appropriate solution was to install an Open Source Ubuntu Linux based system, configured as a Virtual Machine Server.This system was then configured with multiple vertual machines, providing a PDC,  file / print services, mail server, Intranet web server, MySQL database server, groupware collaboration system and an FTP Server.

By combing these systems on a single powerful server, many advantages are achieved, including an improved R.O.I for server platform, as it is performing more wotk and a  reduced energy consumption, as the work of multiple servers is being done on one single server.

The solution also provides a higher degree of overall resilience, as the individual Virtual Machines are easily taken off line or restored individually, using a snapshot, to any pre Incident configuration.

This system is a relatively low cost alternative, making enterprise level technology available to SME's at an economic entry point.

read more