If you are running a small office or a branch of a larger business, you probably have many of the same needs as large corporations: File-and-Print Services, E-Mail, computer-based FAXing, database, etc.

Unfortunately, this usually means installing a Server with all of the related hardware and software costs (see below for an example).

Now large businesses can amortize these costs across a fairly large population of users. But smaller organizations often need to spend almost as much money, for a much smaller number of users. The result is a much higher per-user cost burden. Moreover, often, these server solutions come with a lot of software that you don't need, but still need to pay for.

Although Connectability has a great deal of experience installing Microsoft solutions, and we are great fans of the Microsoft Server series of software applications, sometimes it's hard to justify the cost.

We have an alternative.

The LINUX Operating System and other Open Source packages offer 90% of the functionality of a typical Microsoft environment, at a fraction of the cost. You get complete File-and-Print Services, backup software, Electronic Mail (with centralized directory and Web Access), FAX server, Web server, Firewall capability, and an easy-to-use Web-based administration tool. And the cost is hard to beat. Here's an example of a 15-user network:

As you can see, the Linux Server Alternative costs less than half the comparable Microsoft solution. And as your business grows, that economic proposition gets stronger and stronger.

The Linux Server Alternative is not ideal for every business. But if your organization fits the profile, it's a great way to get all the power that you need at an unbeatable price. At Connectability we can help you determine whether or not it's a good fit for you.