Somewhat dated but worth reviewing.
>From http://www.vnunet.com/news/1144289
Samba beats Windows
Samba 3 runs rings around Windows Server 2003 in file serving performance
Roger Howorth, IT Week 12 Oct 2003
Tests by IT Week Labs show the latest version of the open-source Samba file
and print server software is 2.5 times faster than Windows Server 2003 in
the same role.
The news comes as many firms are grappling with the consequences of
Microsoft ending support for NT4, coupled with uncertainty about when
Microsoft will next update Windows. The performance difference between
Windows Server 2003 and Samba 3 has increased dramatically compared with
Samba 2 and Windows 2000 Server.
Samba provides file and print services to Windows PCs. It enables a Linux or
Unix server to work as a file server for client PCs running Windows
software. The new version also introduces support for Microsoft's Active
Directory for allocating and controlling user access rights.
Samba 3's scalability is as impressive as its performance. While Windows
performance scales up well initially, it then drops off quickly as more
clients access the server. In contrast, Samba 3 offered excellent throughput
up to the limit of our test, conducted on a low-spec Intel server.
Consequently, firms could save money on licence fees, and on hardware, by
using Samba instead of Windows servers. IT consultant Alan Munday, who
recommends Samba to his clients, said the resulting saving was a key
consideration for firms.
Munday is already using version 3 at some smaller sites. However, he was
dismissive of Active Directory. "I'm not [interested in the new Active
Directory features] because the primary focus for my smaller clients is to
migrate away from their ageing NT servers."
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