Complete Turn Key Linux Server

[Matt Darnell]

In my opinion it is things like this that will introduce Linux to more of
the mainstream. Just like m$ found out years ago, it is all about the
applications. Apple OS was far superior, but PC's had Lotus-123. I think
that single application has more to do with PC domination over Apples in the
non-graphics business world than anything else.

For people like myself to sell Linux solutions there has to be a strong
business case (read - I need to be able to make money, to pay rent,
technicians, taxes etc.) We all saw what dell, gateway etc did when people
were not buying the desktops with Linux on it. They pulled the
configurations from the mainstream.

That being said, I think we could have a win-win for the business community
and the GPL cause. We need to convince people that you do not need to pay
$4,000 for a robust email/firewall solution.

I think I am preaching to choir, but if anyone has a differing angle or
perception all together please let me know. I would love to discuss the
merits.

We are planning to get together this weekend to toss around ideas, if anyone
else would like to join us please let me know.

Aloha,
Matt



----- Original Message -----
From: "Ronald Willis" <ronal at aloha.com>
To: <mdarnell at servpac.com>
Cc: "Ho'ala Greevy" <hg at hoalagreevy.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2002 12:45 AM
Subject: RE: [luau] Re: Complete Turn Key Linux Server


> Hello Matt,
>
> Id be interested, I have some ideas to share too. Like a limited feature
> free version that installs in virtual memory to demonstrate its capability
> without commitment. Also Id like to propose a network management module,
to
> go with registration. I also agree with contacting Ho'ala. I met with him
> last month and his input would be vital, if he is here and has time.
>
> Take care
>
> Ron
>
> >- -----Original Message-----
> >- From: Matt Darnell [mailto:mdarnell at servpac.com]
> >- Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2002 9:36 PM
> >- To: Linux & Unix Advocates & Users
> >- Subject: [luau] Re: Complete Turn Key Linux Server
> >-
> >-
> >- Charles,
> >-
> >- If you are I would love to have some coffee and discuss the idea.
> >- If anyone else would be interested in joining the team let me know!
> >- Everything I read leads me to think this is possible.
> >-
> >- Are there meetings, like the electronic pizza, or is this a
> >- newsgroup only
> >- group?
> >-
> >- Aloha,
> >- Matt
> >-
> >-
> >- ----- Original Message -----
> >- From: <cpaul at telemetrybox.org>
> >- To: "Linux & Unix Advocates & Users" <luau at list.luau.hi.net>
> >- Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2002 12:24 PM
> >- Subject: [luau] Re: Complete Turn Key Linux Server
> >-
> >-
> >- > > Before I answer you question let me define the problem I am trying
to
> >- solve;
> >- > > There are lots of small businesses in Hawaii (and elsewhere)
> >- that need
> >- all
> >- > > of the services I mentioned in the earlier email. They are all
> >- available
> >- > > but from 5 different vendors at costs that are prohibitive.
> >- > >
> >- > > To answer you question, we would sell hardware, and the services to
> >- > > integrate and maintain the applications, not the apps
> >- themselves. - Not
> >- sure
> >- > > if that is a slippery slope in the GPL world.
> >- >
> >- > That should be feasible - a system interface to GPL software can be
> >- proprietary, as long as you don't use GPL components in that interface.
> >- Using GPLed components, however, would exponentially decrease the
> >- development time.
> >- >
> >- > > > As for the web-based system administration... I think that the
> >- embedded
> >- > > industry will be moving away from that towards
> >- distributed/spreadable,
> >- > > SSL-enabled applications written in high-level languages.
> >- HTTP is the
> >- wrong
> >- > > solution to stateful applications like secure administration.
> >- > >
> >- > > What would you suggest. I have been reading latley that pop3,
smtp,
> >- http
> >- > > etc. will soon be going the way of archie, veronica, gopher etc.
> >- >
> >- > Well, for now HTTP is the standard for distributed applications (The
> >- Webmin software comes to mind). There are alternatives however:
> >- >
> >- > Raw Unix RPC -- the worst option :)
> >- >
> >- > XML-RPC -- which is a bit heavy (all information is passed as XML
data)
> >- and relies on a web server.
> >- >
> >- > SOAP -- Very similar to XML-RPC, co-developed by Microsoft - requires
a
> >- webserver.
> >- >
> >- > Twisted Manhole -- A Python based "spreadable" application
> >- framework which
> >- is bleeding-edge and therefore not widely used (yet).
> >- >
> >- > .NET -- Microsoft's framework which is cutting-edge but
> >- (currently) very
> >- proprietary.
> >- >
> >- > I have experience with Twisted Manhole and XML-RPC. XML-RPC is a
fine
> >- framework for getting an application up and running QUICK, but it has
> >- serious pitfalls when it comes to preserving user sessions and
security.
> >- >
> >- > It should be noted, that these technologies require customized
> >- software to
> >- be run on the client-side; an advantage that raw HTTP still has.
> >- >
> >- >
> >- > > I would want to sell the after install support with the model
above.
> >- The
> >- > > computer would probably be a clone of quality componenets
> >- sold at near
> >- cost.
> >- >
> >- > Why not sell the preconfigured clone (a rackmount 1U or whatever) at
a
> >- significant markup? I would just spraypaint the case, disable
> >- BIOS access,
> >- hack a custom framebuffer startup screen, and mount some LEDs to
> >- scare the
> >- clueless into thinking that the machine has "Voodoo" inside.
> >- (This has the
> >- psychological bonus of discouraging IT-cowboys from tinkering with the
> >- machine)
> >- >
> >- > In comparison a (decent) Cisco PIX will cost you $4,500. Along with
> >- firewall functionality, your machine will act as a mail server,
> >- web server,
> >- file server, and a domain controller. All of that will increase
> >- the value to
> >- the point where you could charge $6,500 and still come out with the
> >- satisfying feeling of "Giving more than you have recieved."
> >- >
> >- > There are several experienced systems integrators on this list
> >- (aside from
> >- me) who could help you out with this venture. Hoala Greevy, who
> >- makes his
> >- living selling a similar solution, comes first to mind.
> >- >
> >- >
> >- > Take care,
> >- > Charles Paul
> >- >
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