I've found that the big problem with most small business environments is how a virus will take down the one or two pc's and destroy productivity. In my opinion their are two main things that make a safe network. One is a good backup solution and, two is anti-virus. If there was a way to integrate an anti-virus program with the email (scan incomming email) and local files (documents, exe's, etc saved to the network) it would help me sell this product to our company and to our customers.
I'd also like to see more detailed reporting on the Tape Backup. I recently re-installed a freshy copy of 4.1 and I like the tape backup support very much. I'd like to have the ability to see a detailed listing of what was backed up. I received the email that it backed up, but does the average Joe know how to interpret it? Any errors it had or files that were not backed up, and perhaps a way to see a detailed view of backed up files through the e-smith manager (nice job btw with the email logging and viewing) and also a way to set a backup rotation. Whether it be a GFS rotation or just a "don't over-write a tape unless it is over X number of days old" type of rotation (and an option to eject tape after successful backup). Also a way to restore individual Information Bays in case a user loses his word document so we don't have to restore the entire server.
Currently we sell Microsoft, Novell and Apple networks, but there are many companies that call on us that can afford the software, or the hardware, but not both. E-Smith would give us the opportunity to sell both if we could (in good conscience) convince our customers that it had the best of both worlds. It would be an interesting market to tap into. It's not a slam dunk quite yet, but this new version is definately on the right track.
Reality Check: I realize that neither Microsoft or Novell come with a good backup or anti-virus solution (all third party software), and the Exchange and Groupwise software cost extra, but since we are wishing.. wish big. Maybe their needs to be a version with "enhanced" anti-virus and backup that costs extra to pay for the licensing of a third party. I'm not opposed to that. My experience is that Linux software prices for backup and anti-virus is quite reasonable compared to .. "the other guys" platforms. Maybe cut a deal with Computer Associates for Arcserve for backup. (not sure if their anti-virus is ported to Linux yet). It gets to a point though that if your pricing is up there too far, it makes sense (for the consumer) to go with the big guys like MS or Novell and then we are missing the point of aiming this software at the small-medium business market.
All that said, I'm pretty impressed with the leap 4.1 took over 4.0. Good work! Currently I just use e-smith here at home to host my domain/email/file/print and I hope to have the opportunity to install it for a client sometime soon. I've used Linux in an ISP and recreational environment for several years now and think you guys have what it takes to make it mainstream. I enjoyed meeting Paul at Comdex last year and hope you all do well.
I had more to write, but I realize I'm rambling.
later,
Bryan
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