Project Update

[Eric Shubert]

Sean Parsons wrote:
> Since, so many wanted my project to be posted for the benefit of all, 
> I’ll start be defining what our first steps are going to be. I had an 
> opportunity to sit down and discuss my goals and get some advice, so 
> this is how we have decided to proceed:
> 
>                 Goal: Build as much functionality based on Linux into an 
> existing Microsoft SBS 2003 network to provide redundancy and eventually 
> alternatives to future Microsoft products.
> 
> Justification:  I would like to avoid having to replace infrastructure 
> because Microsoft has decided I need to upgrade. I would like to make 
> those choices based upon our needs and current usage.
> 
> 
>                 Phase 1 - Tasks
> 
> 1.       Since Small Business Server 2003 is the critical piece and has 
> the most requirement.  I will be building a dedicated test box with full 
> functionality to be part of the sandbox. It will have the OS, Exchange, 
> SQL, Sharepoint, and a simple 3 user domain. This will be loaded on a 
> Dell Power Edge 850 with 3GB Ram and dual 250GB hard drives mirrored to 
> raid 1. I’ll use a single NIC.
> 
> 2.       I will be loading CentOS V5.4 on a Dell Optiplex GX270, Samba 
> will be loaded on this platform. System has 512Mb RAM and 80GB hard drive.
> 
> 3.       I will be loading CentOS V5.4 on a Dell Optiplex GX270, 
> QmailToaster will be loaded on this platform. System has 512Mb RAM and 
> 80GB hard drive.
> 
> 4.       A 24 port 1Gb Ethernet switch will be allocated for this test 
> environment.
> 
> 5.       A loaned IPCop router will serve as gateway and will be 
> assigned a static IP for access.
> 
>  
> 
> Phase 1 – Goal
> 
> Build a simple but functional network containing the elements necessary 
> to demonstrate proof of concept for this project.
> 
>                 Timeframe
> 
> I expect a week or so to get these systems operational and then begin 
> the process of consolidating into a single network and configuring 
> services for use.
> 
>                 Personally, I have the challenge of loading CentOS for 
> the first time, done Ubuntu, Debian Sarge and Mandrake/Mandriva a long 
> time ago…… but this one is new to me and I’ll have to do it CLI….so 
> might be fun. So got some reading to do about the OS and how to 
> install/update it.
> 
>  
> 
> I’ll post more, as I make progress.
> 
> Sean Parsons

Thanks for posting this, Sean. I expect your project will be of interest 
to many on this list.

-- 
-Eric 'shubes'