Topic: Ubuntu, LDAP, SME server

[markellse]

I run the networks at the school I work in. We use SME server for the staff server because it is dead simple to set up - a working server in less than half an hour.
We use Ubuntu for our staff workstations for the same reason - it takes less than half an hour to install everything that a teacher needs for admin, or that a student needs to learn about IT.
The combination is so powerful and simple that it is the obvious solution to so many situations.

But there are problems. There are minor glitches. For instance an Ubuntu workstation will not display it's home directory when connecting to an SME server. Also it is hard to authenticate an Ubuntu machine from an SME server, which is why we use a purpose built Ubuntu server for the student network.

1. A lot of the authentication problem seems to extend from the absence of reliable LDAP on SME. Does anyone know how this is progressing? I have emailed the maintainer, with no reply. (No criticism, we are all too busy.)

2. Is there anyone who might do some serious work on sorting out the little glitches like that mentioned above? My school would be happy to offer a gratuity for anyone who would sort this out so the job could be done easily.

3. Would it even be possible to have a simple download, or even an Ubuntu package, which simply loaded and installed the Ubuntu bits necessary to fit well with SME?

[jester]

Have you found the wiki entry about authenticating Ubuntu (non LDAP) and set up home dirs: Client_Authentication:Ubuntu

[markellse]

No, haven't tried that.

Two reasons:
1. First just asking around to see how much general interest there is in the overall concept.
2. The way to go seems to be LDAP and seeing if anyone knows about development of that.
3. So the solution suggested is a workaround for the present conditions, not a long term way to do things.

[kevinb]

The lack of LDAP authentication has been a show stopper for us on several occasions.
 
You could look at ClearOS and eBox as alternatives.

[janet]

markellse

See  http://bugs.contribs.org/show_bug.cgi?id=4590

which indicates LDAP integration will not be part of sme8, so do not expect anything dramatic to happen soon with regards to the LDAP contrib or integration into sme. There were issues yet to be resolved before LDAP was ready for "prime time". It was a strong attempt to create a production ready contrib, but it is really still only in experimental stage.

Search bugzilla and the devinfo mailing list archives for more extensive info.

I'm sure I recall the "maintainers", firewall services (probably better called the lead developer for a time), calling for assistance and support for the project, in both dollars and man hours. The project was more complex than anticipated and used more manpower resources than they had available.

As far as I can tell, the project is in limbo, waiting for significant financial sponsorship and developer time.

Advertise your financial sponsorship on devinfo list and/or send an email directly to Charlie Brady and see what he says about it all.