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I think there is...
However, I doubt you'll find a distro that installs like an appliance (Think IPCop). Meaning, you'd have to hire someone who already knows how to administer/configure the linux server, or invest some time in learning.

Samba handles all of your DC needs (No AD yet, but soon. Besides, we're talking small business)

Any number of competitive RDBMSs work on Linux, except for Microsoft SQL Server. Including Sybase and Oracle. Then there are FREE packages, like Postgress and MySQL.

Messaging: Tough to match exchange, unless you set up an LDAP server (free) and use Evolution (share's calendars, etc via LDAP).

The plus side is: NO CALS!

We have converted our entire infrastructure over to Linux. (We're a Sybase shop). We used to use exchange, but have decided to host it (not exchange!).

Sometimes this is overlooked, but a hosted e-mail solution works well in a disaster situation. Try staying up when you have no power for 30 days due to Hurricanes. Meanwhile, with a hosted solution, you have the option of setting up shop in a hotel room and you can send/receive messages!

It just depends on your needs. We sell complete systems. Having to purchase a server license and the corresponding CAL is money right out of our pocket. While we don't have 500 employees, we sell quite a few systems over the course of a year. Deploying a Linux server saves use ~$1,000 for the cost of the server license, plus ~$50 / client seat. As an estimate, I'd say switching to Linux has saved us $75,000 in license fees alone (for one year).
Posted by: SpikeyMike   Posted on: 05/14/08 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use
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Exchange for Small Business?  curph01@... | 05/13/08
Exchange is a great SB solution.  ye | 05/13/08
Exchange SBS is great for small businesses  evan@... | 06/26/08
Agreed. Good features, overkill for small business  croberts | 05/13/08
Which is why...  Wolfie2K3 | 05/14/08
RE: Microsoft to raise Windows Small Business Server price 80 percent  Grayson Peddie | 05/13/08
RE: Microsoft to raise Windows Small Business Server price 80 percent  itsupport@... | 05/13/08
I think there is...  SpikeyMike | 05/14/08
RE: Microsoft to raise Windows Small Business Server price 80 percent  bill@... | 05/13/08
Greed is good at Microsoft  Randalllind | 05/14/08
RE: Microsoft to raise Windows Small Business Server price 80 percent  ignatz_z | 05/14/08
RE: MS to raise Windows SBS price- Bare Bones version needed  one_aceracer | 05/14/08
Microsoft is only looking out for their customers  Ole Man | 05/14/08
RE: Microsoft to raise Windows Small Business Server price 80 percent  dclaxon@... | 05/14/08
RE: Microsoft to raise Windows Small Business Server price 80 percent  jy.durocher@... | 05/16/08

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