Koozali.org: home of the SME Server

An SME server running since 2004 ...

Offline ricks1950

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An SME server running since 2004 ...
« on: January 14, 2016, 10:23:51 PM »
Hard drive died suddenly, without warning.  New drive, 9.1 32 bit, Workstation restore  and all is well.  We've been planning to replace the box and move to 64 bit, and will real soon, but what can you say about a disaster recovery that takes about 2 hours start to finish?

Fantastic work everyone, your efforts are appreciated out here in the world.  SME Server is as good as it gets in this product category.

Offline CharlieBrady

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Re: An SME server running since 2004 ...
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2016, 04:03:39 AM »
Thanks!!

Offline Stefano

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Re: An SME server running since 2004 ...
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2016, 10:16:41 AM »
doh, I missed this post..

Thank you ricks1950, this kind of post is what we need :-)

Offline ReetP

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Re: An SME server running since 2004 ...
« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2016, 11:48:39 AM »
Hard drive died suddenly, without warning.  New drive, 9.1 32 bit, Workstation restore  and all is well.  We've been planning to replace the box and move to 64 bit, and will real soon, but what can you say about a disaster recovery that takes about 2 hours start to finish?

Fantastic work everyone, your efforts are appreciated out here in the world.  SME Server is as good as it gets in this product category.

+1 !
...
1. Read the Manual
2. Read the Wiki
3. Don't ask for support on Unsupported versions of software
4. I have a job, wife, and kids and do this in my spare time. If you want something fixed, please help.

Bugs are easier than you think: http://wiki.contribs.org/Bugzilla_Help

If you love SME and don't want to lose it, join in: http://wiki.contribs.org/Koozali_Foundation

guest22

Re: An SME server running since 2004 ...
« Reply #4 on: January 27, 2016, 12:40:33 PM »
+1 Made it to 'quote of the month' :wink:

http://wiki.contribs.org/Main_Page

Offline ricks1950

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Re: An SME server running since 2004 ...
« Reply #5 on: January 27, 2016, 08:25:10 PM »
I'm blushing. 

Offline TerryF

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Re: An SME server running since 2004 ...
« Reply #6 on: February 05, 2016, 01:21:36 AM »
This, although a little old, is a perfect example of the out of sight out of mind that afflicts us.

Read down where you then get comments from some long time users..

Quote:
New version SME is COS6. What sets SME apart from the rest is, it is the only fully automated Server of any type in the world. Problem is the development is fairly slow as a snail, so don't expect latest and greatest. But it is lovable.! End Quote
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qui scribit bis legit

Offline CharlieBrady

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Re: An SME server running since 2004 ...
« Reply #7 on: February 05, 2016, 04:30:00 AM »

Offline TerryF

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Re: An SME server running since 2004 ...
« Reply #8 on: February 05, 2016, 04:52:13 AM »
Terry doesn't mention it, but he is referring to this:

https://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/786721-running-your-business-on-linux-no-you-dont-need-windows-/

hahahaah, late night, Doohhhh :-)

I think Gordon may have been involved as well... :-)
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Offline janet

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Re: An SME server running since 2004 ...
« Reply #9 on: February 05, 2016, 03:06:02 PM »
Terry & all

Quote
https://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/786721-running-your-business-on-linux-no-you-dont-need-windows-/

I cannot agree with that.
Maybe you can run your business on open source servers, but you will not be able to deal with business clients & with government departments as your business needs to use commercial software that requires Windows workstations & Windows based servers in order to run correctly.
You cannot just say, use a different software, as there are only a handful of statutory compliance software (for example) to purchase commercially & they all require Windows, & do not happily run on Linux servers eg multi user sharing is not supported by the software.

Please everyone, can you stop saying that open source/Linux is an alternative for all situations, as it is simply not the case.
There may be quite feasible alternative software for common limited functionalities eg word processing, basic accounting programs etc, but when you get to specialised requirements there is simply no open source stuff available, it costs big money to develop these programs & get approval from governments to sell them & connect to government systems etc. The software even requires MS Office interconnectivity to provide various additional functionality, so purchasing MS Office is a necessity for various businesses.
Please search before asking, an answer may already exist.
The Search & other links to useful information are at top of Forum.

Offline ricks1950

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Re: An SME server running since 2004 ...
« Reply #10 on: February 05, 2016, 08:24:44 PM »
I have seen small and medium sized businesses running quite successfully on Open Source.  There certainly are barriers to interoperating with Windows based business clients and peers, mostly from communications protocols and file format issues, hardly ever from missing functionality, but occasionally.  LibreOffice Calc macro language is quite different from Excel's VBasic, for example.  Complex Excel macro driven spreadsheets do not operate in Calc, but their functions can be duplicated in Calc, but then won't run in Excel ...

Many Windows shops with large complex software bundles have a majority of users that do not have clue 1 about usage or capability, and spend most of their time logging in and finding their files. 8)

Interoperability issues sell a lot of Windows systems, client and server. 

Offline TerryF

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Re: An SME server running since 2004 ...
« Reply #11 on: February 05, 2016, 09:37:32 PM »
The object was to highlight how a few words from a so called expert will influence readers. Anyone contemplating giving a Linux server a run at home or small business sense would be directed to try the distros highlighted in the article. SME Server/Koozali not to be seen.

A young bright spark full of ideas and code looking for a "free open/source" Linux project to hone their skills on likewise.

Yet when the comments by readers is read through you find a number that points out the failings of the article to not mention SME Server. One going as far as to say "it is the only fully automated Server of any type in the world" also our slow dev cycle.

If there is one thing that is need by us just now its more of that good publicity, these type of articles the same as in printed media are very influential, it not only encourages a user base it encourages budding developers to perhaps become involved.
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Offline ricks1950

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Re: An SME server running since 2004 ...
« Reply #12 on: February 06, 2016, 03:51:32 AM »
The major thing I like about SME Server (and have since I worked at Mitel and they bought E-Smith) is that it just works.  A very simple installation, and it mostly works from the first boot.  The server built in 2004 originally got the free download from Mitel, version 5 if memory serves, maybe 5.5 ...

It has its quirks.  I've used CentOS and Ubuntu Server in several instances where the goals were different.  Horses for courses, as my friends in the UK say.  I have made non- contribs applications work in SME, but I don't do it often enough to be really comfortable messing with the templates, even though it isn't really all that hard.  If I did a POS or CRM, I typically chose Ubuntu Server or CentOS.

I'm retired now, only two servers to look after, both SME.  One, the old box running 32 bit 9.1, the other real server hardware with RAID, 64 bit Xeon processor runs 8.2, soon to be upgraded. 

I think that SME is a really good alternative to Microsoft Small Business Server, and certainly easier to administer, with much, much lower hardware requirements and no licensing headaches.  If you want a home server with gateway and firewall, there is really nothing better.