SME Server:
- simple, reliable, secure, cross-platform and extendable
The SME Server is an open-source software package that, when installed on a PC-compatible computer, transforms it into a easy-to-use, Linux-based communications server. When you connect the SME Server to the Internet and to your network, it provides you with a complete suite of essential networking services for internal and external communications and collaboration.
The SME Server is actually a modified version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, one of the world's most popular server operating systems thanks to its strength, reliability and affordability. This standard Linux distribution has been simplified by making all of the configuration decisions in advance, such as which server packages to run, how permissions and security should be set, how the disk should be partitioned, how the directories should be organized so that the servers are properly integrated with one another, and so on.
Then the installation procedure was automated, and a friendly, easy-to-use interface added to make the SME Server server and gateway a breeze to install and administer. Insert the CDROM, supply some basic networking information, and stand back. There are as few installation questions as possible. In a few minutes you'll have a perfectly configured Linux server which you can administer from your web browser on any desktop. And you need no specialized training - you'll be up and running faster than you imagined! (You don't have to take our word for it - look at some of the comments made by our satisfied users).
With SME Server, you're in control. You can drop the server into any existing network of Microsoft Windows, Macintosh or Linux/Unix machines - the choice of desktop operating system is yours. And you aren't locked into a proprietary hardware platform. This software runs on any Pentium-class PC, new or old, which means you can take advantage of existing hardware. Plus, upgrading is simple and inexpensive.
The SME Server is based on the same networking technology that powers some of the world's largest corporations. It's a robust, reliable product that can support five users or 500. ---
How does it work?
The SME Server server and gateway installs automatically on a PC, converting it to an industrial-strength communications server that allows all of the computers on your network to share a single Internet connection.
In one simple, easy-to-install package, you get:
- A high performance email server that handles email to and from your users.
- Enhanced security features that reduce the risk of intrusion.
- A central file server enabling seamless information exchange among Windows, Macintosh and Unix machines.
- A web server to host your company web and/or intranet site.
- Customized management software that makes it a breeze to add new user accounts, control remote access, configure network printers, set up workgroups and connect additional networks.
- Special services that speed web and Internet access, improving the performance of your network.
- A shared email address book that is maintained automatically.
- i-bays, a unique communications and collaborative facility that makes it easy for employees to work together on projects.
SME Server is versatile. You can choose to run it in either:
and get the following services:
- Routing and security (IP masquerading)
- Qmail SMTP, IMAP4 and POP3 servers (e-mail service)
- Apache web server
- i-bays
- User file directories
- Automated company directory
- DHCP service to local network
- DHCP support on external interface (for dynamic IP)
- Dynamic DNS service support
- ProFTPD ftp server
- Squid Internet Object Cache (proxy server)
- DNS server
- Simple user interface
or,
You can elect to run your SME Server software in "server only" mode so that it does not provide gateway services such as security and routing (this would be useful if, for example, you were running the server behind a firewall). You still get these services:
- Qmail SMTP, IMAP4 and POP3 servers (e-mail service)
- Apache web server
- i-bays
- User file directories
- Automated company directory
- Dynamic DNS service support
- ProFTPD ftp server
- DNS server
- Simple user interface
SME Server works the way you want it to!
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