Throughout my work, I come across different SMB focused VARs asking me for advice on the alternatives to the expensive Microsoft SBS 2003 server OS.
A study about open source deployments by small and midsize companies really opened my eyes to what I’ve been missing: “Of those using Linux, 67 percent commonly or ubiquitously use it as a server operating system, but only 23 percent do as a desktop operating system.” Move over Microsoft Small Business Server, and make room for Red Hat, Collax, Nitix, Xandro, and Novell.
I have personally used Xando and Nitix and for ease of use, I would recommend Nitix as it allows a user to setup a full server in less than 30 minutes. The interface requires no specific Linux knowledge or cryptic commands either. The support is there and it has been ranked highly by various magazines as well.
