Topic: FAX and MS EXCHANGE

[John Sadie]

e-smith compares their product to Microsoft Small Business Server. (SBS 4.5)

To successfully compete, the following is suggested:

1. FAX Sharing
2. Modem Sharing
3. FULL MS Exchange (including PUBLIC folders) support. (Maybe using HP Openmail?.)

(Note: e-smith server based backup is not critical. I prefer to have backups done on a local station, using familiar Windows software. In case of a disaster, it is easier to get my data back, to a WINDOWS PC, or a re-installed e-smith server. Also, backup speed is satisfactory over a 100MB switched network.)

The configuration backup / restore in e-smith is simply wonderful.

Just think:
1. Currently it takes 2-12 hours to install and configure SBS 4.5. It requires 256MB RAM, and at least a 400MHz processor.
2. SBS 2000 takes up to 8 hours JUST to install. It requires AT LEAST 512MB RAM, and AT LEAST a 500Mhz PIII.

And is it not just wonderful that e-smith installed for me in less than 30 minutes, including getting ADSL, users, and printers to work, on a Pentium 166/32MB Ram.

e-smith will have a bright future if the above 3 suggestions are achieved.

[Charlie Brady]

John Sadie wrote:

> To successfully compete, the following is suggested:
>
> 1. FAX Sharing
> 2. Modem Sharing
> 3. FULL MS Exchange

Fax sending/receiving is something we definitely plan to provide.

I'd like you to explain what you mean by modem sharing. Why do workstations need modem sharing if they already have a shared Internet connection?

Full M$ Exchange is something that we would like to provide, but it is obviously a complex and difficult task.

Thanks for your comments.

Regards

Charlie

[Scott Smith]

Modem Sharing

Most of the time I've seen this as a way for individual workstations on a network to have access to modems for faxing. Obviously, a fax server would cure this.

However, I've also seen environments (medical, insurance, manufacturing, to name a few) where direct modem connection to various vendors, customers, and services is the ONLY option, so in these instances modem sharing is a major benefit.

It would be a great feature in a small percentage of installations, but I doubt it has universal application.

[Michael Doerner]

Modem Sharing is a feature that many of our clients use, most of them as a requirement for their Banking software a few others also for remote access into another single workstation via modem.

All (?) New Zealand banks appear to have their software using an interface to a "Packet Network" via modem dialup.

I would love to see these banks changing that interface and offering a secure Internet access but nothing happens there so it is a (very) useful feature here.

Regards,
Michael Doerner