pearsoncmg.comptgmedia.pearsoncmg.com/imprint_downloads/informit/...hardware in the consumer- and business-level markets). Unlike current Microsoft desktop and server operating system

Content provided in partnership with Sams Publishing by Bill Ball.

About Us | Advertise On InformIT | Contact US |Site Map | Book Registration © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. InformIT Division. All rights reserved. Legal NoticePrivacy Policy

IT-ED-2109-2003

The software industry is currently in the throes of change. Normally, change in the computerbusiness arises from discovery, invention, and implementation of new technologies. However,the current changes, which include shifts in marketing strategies and the reshaping ofgenerally accepted business paradigms, are being brought about by a (relatively) newphenomenon: open source software and business models.

Linux—and other free operating systems such as FreeBSD, NetBSD, and OpenBSD—areaccompanied by thousands of free software packages that are unencumbered by distribution,licensing, or royalties. These operating systems and software packages also provide softwaresource code, long considered the "crown jewels" and foundation of many traditional softwarebusinesses. Features such as these are enticing many individuals, businesses, andorganizations to consider whole or partial adoption of open source software solutions.

A new business model based on the open source movement has evolved around related spin-off technologies and services. The model's components include value-added softwarecontributions to free operating system and software packaging, education, training, support,consulting, specialized services (such as programming or research and development),embedded device development, security, and other technologies.

Introduction

This narrative does not focus on using open source as a business model, but contains a shortcomparison of using Linux or Windows 200 as a computer platform solution for a smallbusiness setting. In an attempt to be forthright, even though the title of this narrative is "Linuxvs. Windows 2000," it must be stated that truth in such a comparison can be elusive. ManyLinux proponents and Microsoft pundits tend to shade such comparisons in terms of exclusivity(that is, using only one operating system or products from a single, albeit monopolist vendor).The reality is that the use of Linux (or Microsoft products) in the business world can berepresented by shades of gray rather than black or white.

Considering a move to Linux for your small business? Are you worried about current or future costs ofupgrading and maintaining your servers and software? Linux author Bill Ball gives you an up-to-datecomparison of the latest features, benefits, and costs of choosing and using proprietary or open-source solutionsfor your company.

The reason is that small business owners are smart and (usually) fiscally responsible. The bestcomputing solution for a business may be a mix of platforms and products. Some reasonsinclude client preferences or capabilities, existing software and hardware capital investments,legacy in-house procedures for data transfers, accounting requirements, or human resources.Owner, management, or employee training, experience, and preferences will also play a part.

Another factor confounding a definitive comparison is fairness. The title of this comparisoncould be better termed "Red Hat Linux vs. Windows 2000" or "SuSE Linux vs. Windows 2000"and so on, rather than a straight comparison of Linux vs. Windows. Linux is the kernel of a freeoperating system. Only until Linux is combined with thousands of free software packages doesLinux become a Linux distribution. Similarly, Windows 2000 is a proprietary commercialoperating system, but only achieves its purpose in collaboration with other software packages(although Microsoft has argued otherwise in U.S. federal court and has stated that someapplications, such as its Web browser, are an integral part of the operating system).

Both operating systems as bare platforms are matched by the incapability to do anythingexcept run on a computer; and this narrative does not compare the reliability, security, orperformance of the operating systems or software. An operating system is useless withoutcommands, clients, and applications to run (unless of course, a server or other softwareservice is embedded in the operating system itself and deployed for a particular purpose—such as Linux's capability to serve static Web pages using the Integrated Kernel-basedApplication Protocols Layer and Object Cache, known as Tux).

Another issue is the process and cost (fiscally and psychologically) of migration to a newplatform. Unless mandated by contractual obligations, most companies don't have theadvantage of the startup moving up from ground zero. The process of adoption or migration toa new software platform can be very intimidating on a number of fronts, such as employeetraining and associated costs.

Linux has an advantage in that its flexibility and interoperability allows the migration process,which Red Hat, Inc. terms "engagement," to be done over a longer or shorter periods of time(as little as a weekend or a single day to several weeks, depending on the site size). Linux alsohas the capability to mimic or provide many Windows services transparently in a mixedenvironment over a network.

This paper will use Linux products from Red Hat, Inc. as the example Linux distribution andsoftware, along with Microsoft's Windows 2000 operating system, its variants and associatedsoftware, for any comparisons. References for quotations are included in each section.

ACME Enterprises Defined

ACME Enterprises is a small business of 500 employees. Hardware and softwarerequirements are modest compared to larger organizations and more complex, geographicallyspread businesses of a similar size. However, ACME does not represent a typical smallbusiness (due to the number of employees), and it would normally be grouped in the medium-

sized business range. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, ACME was only one of 8,200firms of its size in the U.S. in 1999, although there were more than 100,000 enterprises similarto ACME (based in a single physical location).

In addition to the normal business operations such as administration, ACME hosts remoteaccess for traveling sales personnel or telecommuting in its work-share program. It has a salesand marketing division, human resources (personnel and administration) office, and productionfacilities at a single location.

The design of ACME’s computer site will require planning, forecasting, budgeting, research,construction, procurement, testing, and deployment. How quickly computing support is neededmay dictate less or more consideration to each stage, but good research and testing can helphead off problems. Other important issues in the design are physical security, employeetraining, and scalability forecasting (in other words, planning for expansion or growth ofresource needs). Scalability forecasting can be critical, especially when consideringcontractual obligations to proprietary software licensing schemes (see the section titled"Windows 2000 Software Requirements").

Some big concerns in a migration from ACME’s existing infrastructure include the end result ofreliability, initial acquisition and migration costs, system performance following deployment,system security, annual or per-seat total cost of ownership (TCO), and scalability for theimmediate or near future.

The basic step in design, especially at this site because there are more than 100 workstations,will involve consultant research and making decisions such as designating or hiring networkmanagement personnel. Other decisions will revolve around identifying or categorizingemployees according to network access needs, establishing initial peripheral needs (forprinting, copying, scanning, faxing, telephony, and so on) and designing an efficient backupstrategy with provisions for testing of backed-up data and off-site storage.

References:

http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/smallbus.html#EmpSize

http://www.redhat.com/services/engagement/

Server Hardware Requirements and Costs

Server hardware requirements can vary widely between computing sites, depending on siteneeds, purpose, and budget. Smaller networks (such as 5–10 PC LANs) may be designedwithout the need for a server, but larger sites such as ACME's need to use a client workstationand server-based arrangement for cost efficiency. Sharing applications, providing networkstorage, and hosting printing services can help consolidate and reduce costs in hardwareacquisition, maintenance, and administration.

Obviously, the size of a network and the capabilities and associated support hardware orenvironment for a server will affect initial hardware costs. The additional cost of switches,

hubs, or routers; a matched uninterruptible power supply (UPS); environment coolingrequirements; virtual keyboard and monitor hardware (KVM); and backup hardware and mediacan add considerably to the cost of a new system.

Linux Hardware Requirements

Linux distributions have various levels of hardware requirements and compatibility, dependingon the distribution’s target host CPU and base platform target (such as i386, i586, or i686 forIntel-based CPUs; or the PowerPC, which represents the greatest availability of off-the-shelfhardware in the consumer- and business-level markets).

Unlike current Microsoft desktop and server operating system products, Linux runs on a varietyof CPU platforms. These platforms include the Alpha AXP, SPARC, UltraSPARC, Motorola68000, PowerPC, PowerPC64, ARM, Hitachi SuperH, IBM S/390, MIPS, HP PA-RISC, Intelx386 and IA-64, National Semiconductor’s x86 Geode processor, DEC VAX, AMD x86-64, VIAEden ESP and C3, and CRIS (Axis Etrax100LX RISC processor) architectures.

The current Red Hat Linux consumer distribution is version 8.0, although version 8.1 is in thesecond stage of beta testing at the time of this writing. Red Hat, Inc. offers two tracks in itsLinux offerings. The first is the basic consumer and professional distributions, which arereleased in new versions about every six months. The base distribution is available free overthe Internet. The second is its advanced distribution, the Red Hat Advanced Serverdistribution, currently in version 2.1 with a version 3.0 planned for release later in 2003 or early2004, and which is available in source code form for free (or if desired on bootable opticalmedia, can be purchased from Red Hat or other vendors).

Red Hat’s Advanced Linux Server distribution has been deployed by many institutions aroundthe world, including enterprise-level companies such as Amazon.com, Toyota Motor SalesUSA, and the French daily newspaper Le Figaro. Millions of users worldwide either purchasecommercial shrink-wrapped copies of the base Red Hat distribution or download the freeversion.

Linux can run in as little as 2MB RAM and a single floppy drive on the embedded developmentend of the deployment spectrum. Today’s generation of PCs are usually more than adequateto host the very latest offerings from Red Hat, Inc. Realistic minimum hardware requirementsfor a desktop system are, according to Red Hat, "...an i686 compatible processor with at least256 MB of RAM and at least 3GB of disk space..." Practical testing reveals that a 300MHzPentium-based CPU with 128MB RAM and 3GB drive storage (or even less) is more thansatisfactory, depending on how Linux is deployed, such as in a network booting environment.(See the next section, "Designing a Linux System" for more details.)

Deployment of Red Hat’s enterprise-level distributions and software in a small businessenvironment will have greater budget need and more extensive hardware requirements,depending on the technologies employed (such as clustering, which is used to ensure dataintegrity, high-availability of applications, and hardware failover). Advanced features willrequire redundant power supplies, power management, raid controller hardware, and shared

disk storage. Red Hat offers these features in the cluster-management component of itsAdvanced Server software.

References:

http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/advserver/RHLAS-2.1-Manual/cluster-manager/ch-hardware.html#S2-HARDWARE-MINIMUMREQ

http://hardware.redhat.com/hcl/ - Red Hat, Inc.’s hardware compatibility database

http://kb.redhat.com/view.php?eid=286

http://otn.oracle.com/tech/linux/pdf/9iR2-on-Linux-Tech-WP-Final.PDF

https://www.redhat.com/pdf/as/as_rasm.pdf

Designing a Linux system

Concerns in design of a Linux computer site usually center on issues such as choice of kernel,distribution, hardware, software, network scheme, backup strategy or methodology, andremote access needs. Linux can be deployed in a variety of ways to provide centralized controlor as a distributed computing resource, such as using a central application server orsegmented Local Area Network (LAN) servers.

The capability of Linux to adapt to nearly any off-the-shelf hardware provides great flexibility inthe choice of a hardware platform. Depending on ACME’s particular needs, Linux can bedeployed on computers that range from inexpensive network terminals, such as the ThinkNICNew Internet Computer or VIA mini-ITX motherboard-based PCs to IBM e- or z-series servers.

The choice of hardware in a small business will usually be dictated by budget. Because Linuxworks well even on legacy (now low-end Pentium) hardware, portions of the existingcomputing infrastructure may be able to be recycled into any planned migration or deploymentof a new operating system platform. The most flexible aspect of a Linux deployment will mostlylikely be compatibility of Linux with current desktops (clients in a server-based network).

The design of ACME’s network should segment portions of the company’s LAN in order tosegregate different departments (such as production, sales, administration, and so on). Thiswill form some basis of security between departments (such as payroll and sales). Otherconsiderations include the layout of physical wiring, physical location of wireless networkaccess points (if used), and telephony wiring. Wireless network operations can reduce the costof physical wiring and the need to accommodate local fire codes, but unless properly designed,can introduce security problems and performance issues (for example, if signals do not reachintended portions of a LAN). Linux works quite well with the majority of existing wirelessdevices and networks, and the careful choice of compatible hardware will reduce or eliminateproblems.

Red Hat, Inc. calls its deployment/migration project management strategies the Red HatEngagement Model. Projects are broken into several stages and steps: assessment, planningand design, development and validation, and (finally) deployment and operations.

The initial assessment can provide cost savings by determining which portions of an existingsite may be retained, upgraded, or migrated for the best efficiency, given current and futureneeds. Budget issues will quickly become apparent at this stage because the project cost isdetermined before project expenditures, and planning and design, which provide the project’sroadmap. The next stage, development and validation, sets the groundwork for the deploymentby creating an efficient marriage of the planned software and hardware. When finished, thesolution is deployed with support and maintenance services.

Flexibility is a key advantage when choosing to deploy Linux because the Linux kernel cansupport many different network schemes. Features such as Network Address Translation(NAT, also known as IP Masquerading) and kernel routing may be used to eliminate orsupplement associated network hardware. Specific details of the networking capabilities ofLinux can be found in 75 different documents under the /usr/src/linux-2.4/Documentation/networking directory of any system if the kernel source has been installed.

Design of one or more Linux servers in a deployment may also depend on intended use. Forexample, it is unnecessary to have software development tools or graphical user interface(GUI) desktop support if a server is to be used only for file, print, or electronic mail serving or aas a Web server; in fact, such installations can be a serious breach of security! Linux may beused to host server operations on even the most basic desktop PC, but a Linux serverintended for use as an application server and to provide network-mounted user filesystems willneed to have much more memory and available storage, along with a more-or-less completesuite of installed software to support desktop or development operations.

Typical Linux server solutions provide the services such as Dynamic Host Control Protocol(DHCP), network firewalling, NAT, virtual private networking, cross-platform sharing of files,database operations, network access control (into or out of a LAN), user management,electronic mail, Web server, proxy server, and Domain Name Service (DNS).

References:

http://www.redhat.com/services/consulting/

http://www.redhat.com/services/engagement/

http://www.redhat.com/services/focus/

http://www-1.ibm.com/linux/article_smb.shtml

Comments

Table 1 provides a base outline of a simple solution for ACME’s computing needs. Asmentioned previously, design, deployment and initial costs for a new site will be moreexpensive than a migration using existing facilities or deployment to overlay a portion of anexisting facility. The table provides cost estimates for a basic primary and secondary server.Cost considerations for desktops for administrative personnel, laptops for a small mobile salesand marketing team, along with more capable workstations for development work or computingoperations outstripping the resources of a desktop, are contained in the Client Computerssection later on in this article.

Table 1—Base Server Hardware Estimates1

Hardware

IBM xSeries 235 Tower, Xeon CPU 2.8GHz; 512MB RAM;48X CD-ROM2

2.8GHz 533MHz 512KB L2 Cache Upgrade with XeonProcessor 3

1GB DDR PC2100 ECC RAM DIMM4

73GB 10K RPM SCSI hard drive5

15" IBM E54 Monitor (black; 13.8" viewable)6

Unit Price

$2979

$999

$779

$639

$100

Quantity

2

2

4

4

1

Total

$5958

$1998

$3119

$2556

$100

GrandTotal

$13,731

1 Does not include hardware related to implement clustering or other fail-over technologies.2 Quote is from IBM’s small business Web site; system CPU has processor cache of 512KB; hard drives are hot-swappable;maximum RAM is 6.1GB.3 Upgrade each server to dual-Xeon 2.8GHz CPU.4 Two DIMMs required for each server.5 Two hard drives per server; hardware is capable of six internal hard drives.6 Only one monitor required if KVM used; table does not include cost of keyboard or pointing device because one of each isincluded with each server.

The hardware listed in Table 1 will support either Linux or Microsoft operating system products.Hardware costs for one or more Linux servers will be comparable to that of Windows 2000 ifthe Linux server design designates segregation of server duties. For example, a single Linuxserver can host nearly all services for a large LAN, including file, print, and application serving.Although this is a cost-effective approach for small installations (25 users or fewer), security,performance, and costs issues will dictate that ACME use at least a primary and secondaryLinux server.

The table outlines the current prices for a pair of high-performance, Intel-based dual-CPUservers with 2.5GB RAM and nearly 150GB of online storage. Storage requirements may besupplemented by additional network-attached storage (NAS) units. KVM, input device andUPS hardware costs are not included in Table 1. Hardware service maintenance agreementsare available from IBM, and may be used to extend or enhance coverage of the hardware.

Reference:

http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=-840&storeId=1&categoryId=2543011&langId=-1&dualCurrId=73

Windows 2000 Hardware Requirements

The hardware requirements listed in this section are based on official Microsoft specificationsand are generally accepted real-world recommendations. Windows 2000 is available in severalvariants, such as Windows 2000, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server, SmallBusiness Server, and Windows 2000 Advanced Server. Microsoft also markets an enterprise-capable Window product named Windows 2000 Datacenter Server, which is not covered inthis narrative. Also, note that Microsoft may soon release a new version of its server software,Windows Server 2003, sometime this year.

Table 2 details the various recommended hardware minimums for the base Microsoft Windows2000 desktop and Windows 2000 server products.

Table 2—Microsoft Recommended Minimum Hardware Requirements7

Product CPU RAM Storage

Windows 2000Professional

133MHz CPU 64MB RAM 2GB drive storage

(650MB free space)

Windows 2000 Server 133MHz CPU 256MB RAM 2GB drive storage

(1GB free space)

Small BusinessServer8

300MHz CPU 256MB RAM

(512MB-intensive)

4GB drive storage

Windows 2000Advanced Server

133MHz CPU 256MB RAM

(recommended)

4GB drive storage

(1GB free space)

Windows 2000 Professional

This base offering from Microsoft officially has a recommended minimum hardware supportlisted as a 133MHz or higher Pentium-based Central Processing Unit (CPU), 64 megabytes(MB) of Random Access Memory (RAM) , 2 gigabytes (GB) drive storage, and a minimum of650MB free space. Support is provided for single and dual CPU computers.

Windows 2000 Server

The server version of Windows 2000 officially has a recommended minimum hardware supportlisted as a 133MHz or higher Pentium-based CPU, 256MB of RAM, 2GB drive storage with aminimum of 1GB free space. Support is provided for up to four CPUs.

Small Business Server 2000

This server variant distribution of Windows 2000 officially has a recommended minimumhardware requirement of a 300MHz or faster Pentium-based CPU, 256MB RAM (with 512MBrecommended for heavy use), and 4GB drive storage with "two 8GB disks for fault tolerance,"according to Microsoft.

7 CD-ROM or DVD drive, VGA monitor required for installation.8 Super VGA monitor required for installation.

Windows 2000 Advanced Server

Windows 2000 Advanced Server officially has a similar recommended minimum hardwaresupport as Windows 2000 Server, but up to 8GB RAM and eight CPUs. Real-world experiencedictates that these minimums will be unrealistic in practical settings. Reasonable minimums toallow acceptable performance in a wider range of applications are listed in Table 3.

Table 3—Realistic Bare Minimum Hardware Requirements for Windows OperatingSystem Products

Product CPU RAM Storage

Windows 2000 300MHz CPU 256MB RAM 2GB drive storage

Windows 2000 Server 500MHz CPU 1GB RAM 4GB drive storage

Small BusinessServer

500MHz CPU 1GB RAM 4GB drive storage

Windows 2000Advanced Server

600MHz CPU 1GB RAM 4GB drive storage

References:

http://www.dewassoc.com/support/win2000/require.htm

http://www.winnetmag.com/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=8225

http://www.le.ac.uk/cc/dsss/docs/w2k-hw.shtml

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/prodtechnol/acs/proddocs/ac2k/accrbb_cfullinst.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?site=10586&subid=22&pg=2

http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?site=656&subid=22&pg=3

Designing a Win2K System

Windows 2000 products offer a range of core software services for a computer network. Referto Table 1 for a base server hardware listing for use with Windows 2000; there are littledifferences in actual hardware requirements to host either a Linux or a Windows serverproduct. However, Windows-based server performance requirements may dictate the use ofadditional CPUs, which in turn can dictate the server product purchased (because onlyWindows 2000 AS supports eight CPUs at this time).

Summary

For practical purposes, there is no advantage or disadvantage for ACME to compare, shop, orchoose different hardware based on choice of operating system for a number of reasons:

• Lease options on computing hardware will bring the cost of the system in Table 1 below$500 to $1000 per month, depending on the additional components chosen for the serversite. Leasing flexibility also provides for term-based computing environments (the capabilityto upgrade hardware at a lower cost).

• Capital depreciation of fully purchased hardware can cut the actual cost of such a systemnearly in half (local business property taxes or tax incentives can also affect annual costs).

• Single-purposed servers, such as for DHCP, electronic mail, or printing require far fewercomputing resources; this means that lower-end server hardware and even legacy desktopplatforms can function as efficiently as higher-end hardware at a lower cost.

• Linux has the capability to be modified and customized to run on nearly all Intel-basedcomputing platforms and to use nearly any peripheral (except those items thatmanufacturers refuse to release specifications; fortunately, most computer hardwaremanufacturers are competitive, want to expand market capabilities, and don’t want to lockout potential markets).

Additional savings could be realized if ACME were one-quarter to one-half its size. Linux workswell on legacy hardware and performance issues can sometimes be offset with consumer-based systems with RAM and hard drive storage upgrades. Existing computing infrastructure(surplus PCs) can be put to use quickly and easily for network gateway, routing, rudimentaryfile sharing, networked printing, electronic mail, or dial-up telecommunications gateways.

Server Software Requirements and Costs

This section details some important differences between Linux and Microsoft server software.Benchmarks are not considered here because much has already been published regardingthese issues. Security flaw concerns are also not discussed here. Problems in the Linux arenaare generally rapidly identified and quickly fixed, which is one of the primary benefits of usingsoftware available in source code form. Microsoft offers contractual software support (usuallyonly to Fortune 500 or enterprise-level customers) and has released software fixes in the pastfor its product offerings (but apparently has not been held legally liable to date for securityflaws or other problems related to its products).

One of the most important considerations regarding the use of Linux or Microsoft software issoftware licensing. This issue is explored in each of the following sections.

Linux Software Requirements

Even the most basic Linux distribution contains a rich assortment and variety of software, bothserver and client-based. The span of software included, even in diminutive (single CD-ROM)Linux distributions, includes client desktop and server software such as the following:

1. Communications utilities, such as sending or receiving fax transmissions or dial-in

2. Database servers for inventory, accounting, and so on

3. Documentation for system configuration, management, software resources

4. File servers for sharing files in a UNIX, Linux, or Windows-based mixed network

5. Graphical desktop environments for workstation use

6. Internet-related utilities, such as Web browsers, FTP utilities, electronic mail, and so on

7. Multimedia software for graphics development, printing, or presentations

8. Network configuration and network management tools

9. Print servers, resource, and management tools

10. Productivity software, including office suites, calendaring, project management, and soon

11. Remote access software for mobile personnel

12. Security software to enhance and augment company communications in-house

13. Software development tools for developers or in-house custom software development

14. Software management tools for system administrators

15. User management tools for system administrators

16. Web servers for intranet, extranet, or Internet operations

The type of software that is deployed and its intended purpose can greatly affect hardwarerequirements. For example, basic desktop productivity workstations will have far fewerresource requirements than an application server, development workstation, or Web ordatabase server. What is remarkable is that Linux includes nearly all the software required fornearly any task faced in a small business environment.

Nearly all Linux distributions include thousands of commands, programs, and clients; and morethan enough software (sometimes too much software) to provide more than adequateresources for serving applications, files, printers, databases, and Web pages. Much of thesoftware can easily be applied to business-related tasks. To such users, one important aspectof any of the Linux-related software is its license.

Many free programs for Linux are licensed under the GNU General Public License, originallywritten by Richard M. Stallman. Much of the free software included with a Linux distribution(and in some cases, as the base Debian Linux distribution, all of it) is licensed under the GNUGPL or one of its variants. The GNU GPL license does not mandate royalties or monetarypayments for use of associated software, and instead focuses on stated tenets of "freedom,"such as the following:

1. Using such licensed software for any purpose.

2. Examining and/or modifying the software’s source code.

3. Redistributing copies or modified copies of the software.

4. Releasing modifications to the software.

However, other licenses may apply to various software packages in a Linux distribution, andinclude many falling under the category of open source software. Some of the (perhaps)better-known licenses are the following:

Apache Software LicenseApple Public Source LicenseArtistic licenseBSD licenseIBM Public LicenseIntel Open Source LicenseMIT licenseMozilla Public License 1.0 (MPL)Mozilla Public License 1.1 (MPL)Python Software Foundation LicenseQt Public License (QPL)RealNetworks Public Source License V1.0Sun Industry Standards Source License (SISSL)Sun Public LicenseSybase Open Watcom Public License 1.0University of Illinois/NCSA Open Source LicenseW3C LicenseZope Public License

Although not all these licenses afford the same freedom as the GNU GPL, the softwaredistributed under these licenses may generally be freely used for any purpose without the needfor royalties or licensing payments. Careful examination of the documentation for any installedLinux software on a server or workstation can ensure complete compliance and avoidproblems.

References:

http://www.redhat.com/

http://www.opensource.org/

http://www.fsf.org/

http://www.gnu.org/

http://www.ibiblio.org/peanut/

Designing a Linux system

Creating a Linux server involves the careful choice of software to be installed, designing aflexible and safe partitioning strategy, and crafting effective backup strategies. Choosing theserver software will depend on the server’s intended use. Although a Linux server may performmany different tasks and offer different services at the same time, most experts agree thatsingle-use machines are best suited in mission-critical applications, with power supply andhard drive storage as hot-swap components. Additional technologies can be employed to linkservers in clustering (for parallel computations), fail-over (for auto-rerouting of data), and load-balancing (network workload distribution) configurations. Employing one or more of thesefeatures in a server configuration will require specialized hardware and software (clusteringcapabilities are included in Red Hat, Inc.’s Red Hat Linux Advanced Server, discussed next).

Red Hat Linux Advanced Server is a commercial Linux distribution with a 12- to 18-monthrelease cycle. This cycle is longer than the typical six-month cycle for new versions of RedHat’s consumer Linux distributions. The reason for Advanced Server’s longer cycle is toaccommodate enterprise-level software developers and provide stability in the corporatecomputing environment. Red Hat certifies a number of software packages and hardwareplatforms for Advanced Server from many of the key players in the software industry, such asOracle, Dell, HP, Veritas, Computer Associates, BEA, SAP, IBM, Legato, and others.

ACME does not have to turn to Advanced Server as a Linux solution. The current consumer-based Red Hat Linux offerings will work fine on a wide range of computer equipment, includingthe hardware listed in Table 1. However, there are some advantages in choosing AdvancedServer:

1. Red Hat’s Advanced Server includes software on high-density optical media.

2. Support for clustering technology using redundant server hardware, shared (bus ornetwork) disk storage, power management, and other fail-over mechanisms.

3. Software documentation and manuals are provided

4. Support for 12 categories of help is included with the base purchase; up to an additional 25categories of support are available at shortened response times with Red Hat’s PremiumPackage (see Table 4).

5. Support includes critical software fixes.

Table 4 lists the various Red Hat Linux distributions and software products available from RedHat, Inc.

Table 4—Red Hat Linux Software Products, Purpose, and Cost

Product Purpose Cost

Red Hat Linux8.0

Basic operating system and applications on five CD-ROM .isoimages free to download; no support

Free

Red Hat Linux8.0 Personal

Same as previous, but with two printed manuals*, adocumentation CD, CD-ROM disks in shrink-wrapped box, a 30-day subscription to Red Hat Network for one system, 30 of daysWeb-based installation support, and 30 days of phone-basedinstallation support

$39.95

Red Hat Linux8.0 Professional

Same as previous, but includes system on CD-ROM and DVD,three additional printed manuals9, a 60-day Red Hat Networksubscription, and 60 of days phone, Web-based installationsupport

$149.95

Red Hat LinuxAdvanced Server2.110

Basic customized operating system and utilities destined asplatform for third-party, enterprise-level products (such as IBM’sWebSphere, etc.)

$799–$2599

(depends onsupportoptions)

Red Hat LinuxAdvancedWorkstation

Basic client desktop operating system and utilities designed as acorporate desktop to integrate into a Red Hat Linux AdvancedServer network

Unknown;new product

(Q3 2003?)

StrongholdEnterpriseSecure WebServer

Customized version of the Apache Web server destined for usein Internet, intranet, and e-commerce settings

$395–$895+

(depends onsupportoptions)

Red Hat NetworkProxy Server

Enables local Intranet connections via a single, secureconnection to Red Hat Network in order to conserver bandwidthand provide faster downloads (updating)

availableupon request

Red Hat NetworkSatellite

A customized version of Red Hat, Inc.'s Red Hat Networkdeployed in-house (on-site)

Availableupon request

Red HatCommandCenter

System, application, network, and transaction monitoring; reportgeneration, inventory management, automated system eventreporting

Unknown;new product

(Q1 2003)

9 Guides included are Installation Guide, Getting Started Guide, Customization Guide, Reference Guide, and Red Hat NetworkQuick Reference Guide10 One copy per installed host

References:

http://www.redhat.com/software/

http://www.redhat.com/software/stronghold/

http://www.redhat.com/software/advancedserver/features/

http://www.redhat.com/rhn/commandcenter/tour/

http://lcic.org/

http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/advserver/RHLAS-2.1-Manual/cluster-manager/

Comments

Table 4 details the costs of various Red Hat Products, ranging from its free Linux distributionthrough more advanced platform operating systems. Note that this table does cover softwareproducts from other major business software vendors. The main difference between the free,personal, and professional Red Hat Linux distributions and Red Hat’s Advanced Serveroffering are in release cycles, system tuning, support, and cost. Red Hat’s Advanced Server isavailable free in source code form, but downloadable .iso CD-ROM images are not available.

Red Hat Linux distributions provide nearly all server software required for small businessoperations. This includes the following major features and software packages:

• Application serving—The X Window System is the graphical networking protocol used withUNIX and Linux systems. Desktops may be easily provided user space and applications viaa server, and all client applications may be stored and launched from the server for displayand use on remote desktops. ACME does not have to use such an approach, but thisoption is available without cost as an alternative for providing user applications.

• Web server—The Apache Web server is a standard component of most Linux distributions,and is included with Red Hat Linux distributions. Specialized Web operations may benefitthrough the use of Red Hat's customized Stronghold Server product, a security-hardenedand feature-added version of Apache (although this will add to the cost of a server setup).

• Database operations—Each Red Hat Linux distribution includes two database systems,PostgreSQL and MySQL, that provide performance and features that can fit into eithersmall- or large-scale operations.

• Electronic mail—Several different mail servers (network-based delivery or sending), mail-filtering clients, and numerous mail clients (for the composing, reading, managing, andsending of mail) are included with Linux.

• Many network-related server packages—Firewall, gateway, routing, Domain Name Service,network monitoring, and network device management software are included with everyLinux distribution.

• Cross-platform file and print sharing—Red Hat Linux includes software to configure,manage, and set up file sharing for Windows, UNIX, and Mac OS. More than 1,300different printers are supported and may be set up, configured, managed, and used locallyor over a network with all different Red Hat Linux distributions. Printer accountmanagement and tracking are supported.

• Remote access software—Red Hat Linux provides all the software required to easilyconfigure and manage remote access via dial-in telephone or a network interface.Encryption is supported, and secure remote access server and client software are included.

ACME could easily implement its own Red Hat Linux-based network by using the freelyavailable Red Hat Linux 8.0 distribution. All server software required for nearly all basicnetwork and LAN operations are included. However, a wiser choice, especially during theperiod of an early migration or adoption, would be to purchase a high-end support version ofRed Hat Linux Advanced Server. This would provide relief from in-house resources (systemadministration employees), and most likely ensure greater uptime in business serveroperations.

ACME's base cost for outfitting two servers using Red Hat Linux Advanced server will rangefrom $1,598 to $5,198. These figures do not include costs for construction, or for equipmentsuch as the following:

Premise wiringPatch cablesPatch panelsNetwork jacks or faceplatesNetwork interface cards (NICs)Cabinets, equipment racksRouters, switches, or hubs

Windows 2000 Software Requirements

The choice of Windows 2000 server products will be dictated not only by the product's clientand performance capabilities, but also by the type and range of included software.

For example, the Small Business Server product offering provides a variety of core essentialservices, such as file, print, and application servers; electronic messaging (mail and fax);database facilities; Internet access utilities; and basic Web services. Management may beaccomplished via a Web-based console and various automatic software setup programs(a.k.a. wizards). However, this product (with support for 25 users) retails for $2,800.00 and(according to Microsoft) is limited to serving 50 workstations, a single domain, and a single-server computer.

Along with an appropriate server product, ACME must also decide on the office productivitysoftware and other software components to provide and support on its network. Microsoft has

a suite of business software products, which span many different categories, such as thefollowing:

Calendar SoftwareDatabaseDesktop ManagerDesktop PublishingGraphicsMessaging and CollaborationMid-Size Business ToolsNetworkingPresentation ToolsProject ManagementSmall Business ToolsSolution SuitesSpreadsheetTeam Management SoftwareTraining and ResourcesWord Processing

ACME must decide on the software needs of its user base and must conduct an accurateassessment or budget projection of software needs prior to investing in a proprietary solution.Software and licensing expenses could rapidly spiral out of control or starve ACME’s user baseof proper tools and resources due to lack of funds.

Reference:

http://www.microsoft.com/sbserver/howtobuy/production.asp

Designing a Win2K System

Any design of a Windows-based server must include consideration of the number and needs ofthe intended client base of users. The reason for this is that in most cases, although acompany may purchase and install a Windows server product, the server will not be usable(accessible) unless additional licenses (known as client access licenses) are purchased andenabled. These costs will be in addition to the server software costs listed in Table 5 if thenumber of users exceeds the initial client access license purchase. Another consideration isthat this licensing model can add additional legal liabilities and administrative responsibilities ifACME deploys Microsoft server software. This is unlike the use of a Linux server, which maybe freely accessed (depending on how the system is configured) immediately after installationand configuration by any remote host, operating system, or any number of users.

Licensing issues can be initially confusing, and (over a longer term) potentially problematic andexpensive. For example, Microsoft changed its licensing system in 2002, implementing an

"annuity-based model" known as Software Assurance. Many larger computing sites wereswitched to two- to three-year contracts with annual payments for future upgrades. Somecritics posed that the new licensing schema raised costs considerably. Microsoft posits that thenew licensing represents a simplification of previous licensing arrangements.

According to Microsoft, the first step of purchasing its software is to determine the best licensefor one’s needs (see below). The next step is to make a decision on how to purchase (pay for)software, which can be "perpetual or subscription." The last step is then to decide where to payfor the software. Microsoft now categorizes its individual software products according to a"product pool, product, and edition," with three different product pools: Applications, Systems,and Servers. For example, Windows 2000 Advanced Server is in the Servers product pool, is aWindows 2000 product, and is the Advanced Server edition.

Purchasing options for ACME could fall into the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) levelif ACME sold platforms and wanted to pre-install Microsoft products. However, for purposes ofthis narrative, ACME is considered to have a base of 500 users. As such, ACME couldpurchase Microsoft products at full retail, but this approach would be too expensive. Microsoft’s"Volume Licensing for Organizations," consisting of four applicable licensing schemes, mightbe a more attractive option:

• Open License 6.0, available with the purchase of five licenses and offering an "OpenBusiness" program and "Open Volume" program. Under each of these subprograms thereare minimum order requirements, and a "point" system is used as a gauge for purchasediscounts. An upfront payment is required.

• Select License 6.0 for 250 or more desktops, which will incur forecasting of software needsover a future three-year period, with annualized payments.

• Enterprise Agreement 6.0 for 250 or more desktops running Microsoft’s "Platform EnterpriseProducts," such as Office Professional; this scheme also incurs a three-year contract withannualized payments.

• Enterprise Subscription Agreement 6.0, also for sites with 250 or more desktops, withlicensing based on a subscription basis, but requiring annualized payments.

A fifth licensing scheme, the Academic Volume Licensing, is for academic institutions such asschools, colleges, universities, or business schools, and does not apply to ACME’s situation.

According to Microsoft, the idea of offering multiple, tiered, and point-based licensing schemesis to help clients save money. However, ACME had best invest the time, effort, and expense infully exploring the pros and cons of all the various schemes before committing funds forsoftware (keeping in mind that the software is not purchased, but licensed for use). Thisdecision can become even more complex if ACME hosts (like many businesses) a mixedcomputing environment running several different operating systems. A software-use inventoryor forecast (part of Red Hat’s migration and deployment strategy) is a must-do item in suchcases.

Besides client-access licensing, other schemes commonly used by the proprietary softwareindustry are per-seat licensing, per-server licensing, and per-processor licensing. Moreimportant, however, is the fact that many companies or governmental entities unintentionally

(to their detriment) ignore one risk-management aspect of adoption proprietary software andassociated licensing: the need to track licenses in use to avoid an outside software audit.Expensive legal liabilities can arise, even if only one disgruntled ex-employee chooses to filean anonymous complaint, and even if no violations exist or are found!

References:

http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104-961400.html

http://www.greymatter.com/Licensing/StaticContent/AboutLicensing.htm

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/Default.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/programs/sa/saolsleacompare.asp

Table 5—Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and Advanced Server Costs

Product Purpose Cost11

Windows 2000 Server Provides directory, Web,application, network, file andprint services

$999 with five client accesslicenses (CALs); $1199 with10 CALs; $1799 with 25CALs; additional licensesavailable at $199 per five or$799 for 20

Windows 2000 AdvancedServer

Same as above, but addssupport for additional CPUsand RAM, and clustering

$3,999 with 25 CALs

References:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/server/howtobuy/pricing/default.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/server/howtobuy/pricing/pricingwindows.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?site=10188&subid=22&pg=10

Comments

Each server product listed in Table 5 will provide basic network server operations. However,ACME must purchase additional CALs in order to provide access to the servers for its

11 Costs do not include additional products, such as desktop operating systems or applications, and are based on retail quotesfrom Microsoft; independent VARs will offer discounts.

employees; and must purchase base operating systems for its desktops, workstations orlaptops, along with office productivity or other business applications.

Microsoft also offers six different versions of its Microsoft Open License Packs, ranging in pricefrom $2399 to $2831—prices will vary from third-party sources.

Summary

Pursuing a Microsoft solution to outfit two servers will obviously cost more than adopting a RedHat solution. Much of the expense in a Microsoft solution, just based on a server and serveraccess, will be in the area of CALs. Red Hat Linux Advanced Server has no such restriction onaccess, and additionally provides an entire suite of business productivity software (such asword processing, electronic mail, spreadsheets, graphic design tools, calendaring, andPersonal Information Managers, or PIMs), along with a rich assortment of server and client-related software.

Comparing Costs

No matter which avenue ACME chooses to navigate (open source or proprietary),consideration must be given to support and client desktop standards. (These issues arediscussed in the section on system administration costs and support options.) Based onMicrosoft's retail pricing, the cost to outfit two servers and provide enough CALs for ACMEcould be as much as $20,176 for a single Windows 2000 Server (but would most likely becheaper, depending on the negotiated licensing scheme). As previously mentioned, the costfor outfitting two servers using Red Hat Linux Advanced server will range from $1,598 to$5,198.

Commentary

Both Microsoft and Red Hat require a separate purchase of their advanced software for eachserver. Again, ACME could choose any other Red Hat operating system product and installmultiple copies without problems, but would need to pursue additional support options, whichonly pertain to a single machine.

Compare Resulting Systems

Red Hat Linux comes in a variety of configurations and distributions with more advancedsupport options available for its commercial, business-oriented distributions. Microsoft’s serverproducts provide far fewer software applications, and are meant only to provide a modicum ofservices over a network—no client applications are included. Additional desktop operatingsystems must be purchased for a Microsoft-based server environment. A Red Hat solutioncould also require purchase of additional desktop operating systems, but ACME has analternative approach if free Red Hat Linux distributions are used (and Red Hat offers acomplete printed set of its manuals in hard copy for $49.95 if such documentation is required).

Linux System Diagram and Commentary

Depending on ACME's needs, a Linux-based server system will require only power and anetwork connection after installation. Such a system can also be installed using only a singlefloppy disk if an Internet connection is present, or if a local Web or FTP server is present onACME's LAN.

An additional and perhaps essential element of the server component of ACME's LAN could bea UPS to ensure safe shutdown in the event of a power outage (a UPS is cheaper than abackup generator). Adequate cooling and physical security needs should also be addressed.ACME's LAN will obviously need a firewall or gateway at ACME's Internet connection (withpossibly more used to segregate internal divisions on the network). Wireless portions ofACME's LAN should not originate at the server because current hardware and softwaresupport does not adequately address security and performance issues; a much betterapproach is to use 100Mbps or Gigabit Ethernet controllers for serving other divisions withinACME's LAN.

Windows System Diagram and Commentary

Most of the issues discussed in the previous section apply to a Microsoft-based servercomponent of a LAN. Implementing advanced features of Microsoft's Windows 2000 AS, suchas clustering and fail-over, will require additional hardware (similar to that for Red Hat'sAdvanced Server).

Summary

Clearly, a Red Hat-based server solution will cost ACME much less than a Microsoft solution.

System Administration Costs

Much of the cost of system administration for either a Microsoft or Red Hat system will comefrom personnel salaries, the largest expense in any small-business computing environment.(Note that this may not be true, especially at a super-computing center!)

Anticipated Costs to Manage a Linux System

Red Hat Linux-based servers may be administered locally or remotely. Typical tasks involvemonitoring a system’s resources (RAM, storage space), maintaining software, networkadministration, security monitoring and response, user administration, and backup operations.Microsoft pundits may argue that the salary requirements of a Linux system administrator willbe higher because there are fewer available in the industry compared to trained (or certified)Linux administrators.

One avenue ACME could take would be to send its existing administrator(s) to a Red Hat, Inc.Training Course. Table 6 contains a list of courses and costs.

Table 6—Red Hat Linux Training Course Levels, Content, Duration, and Costs

Course Content Duration Cost

Operator RH033; for usersnew to Red HatLinux

4 days $1998

Technician

(RHCT)

RH131, RH133;advanced users incorporate network

.5 to 4.5 days $398–$229812

Engineer

(RHCE)

RH252, RH300,RH301; experiencedRed Hat Linuxtechnicians

1 to 5 days $749–$249812

Advanced/Enterprise RHCE managingnetwork servicesand security incorporate network

4 days $2898

The cost of administering Linux-based servers and LANs depends on many factors. Totalcosts will include the number of administrators, salaries, and compensation. According to theSANS Institute in a late-2002 salary survey of system administrators, the average salary was$69,340—with higher salaries in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and West Coast regions of theUnited States (salaries outside the U.S dropped 10–50 percent). ACME can benefit from theautomation, efficiency, reliability, and remote management features of Linux. Administratorworkloads can be reduced, and fewer system or network administrators will be needed. A RedHat Linux sys admin should be able to easily handle the task of administering several hundredcomputers. An initial team of several administrators can be employed during a deployment andfollowing a migration, with specific personnel resource needs determined after the system hasbeen deemed stable and reliable.

12 Cost and duration vary according to course.

References:

http://www.redhat.com/rhn/commandcenter/

http://www.redhat.com/training/rhce/courses/

http://www.sans.org/newsletters/newsbites/vol4_27.php#top

http://www.sans.org/rr/policy/cssb.php#top

Anticipated Costs to Manage W2K System

ACME must answer the question of how many administrators to hire when staffing its possibleMicrosoft LAN. The number of sys admins will affect the annual cost of operations. ManyMicrosoft pundits argue that the salary requirements of a Windows system administrator will belower because there are so many available in the industry. Microsoft Certified SystemAdministrators (MCSAs) are required to pass several examinations after taking a number ofcourses.

Microsoft’s server products include system and network management software. However, anadditional (and important) task facing a Microsoft system’s administrator is the job of trackinginstalled software and licenses. This is an issue not normally faced in a Linux environment,especially if only free software is used to support business operations. Failure to trackadequate licensing in a Microsoft environment can lead to major problems such as lawsuits,fines, penalties, or court action.

Salary requirements for network and system administrations will vary according to geographiclocation, site size, responsibilities, and site-response time requirements. Salaries can rangefrom $50,000 to more than $100,000 depending on candidate experience, responsibility, andposition offered by a company—although many employee candidates and employers usecertification levels as a rough gauge in salary negotiations and offerings. According to somesurveys, salaries of Microsoft system and network administrators have dipped in the last yearor so. One 2001 salary survey places the average salary at $67,100. Database administratorsand developers will command a higher range of salaries.

References:

http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcsa/windows2003/

http://www.microsoft.com/TrainCert/mcp/mcsa/requirements.asp

http://www.mcpmag.com/salarysurveys/article.asp?EditorialsID=70

http://www.mcpmag.com/salarysurveys/article.asp?EditorialsID=38

Summary

Table 7 contains a listing of related examinations and courses for Windows 2000 Servertraining.

Table 7—Windows 2000 Advanced Server-related Courses, Duration, and Costs

Exam Course Duration Cost13

Exam 70-2151:Installing, Configuring,and AdministeringMicrosoft Windows 2000Server

Course 2151: Microsoft Windows2000 Network and Operating SystemEssentials Course

2152:Implementing MicrosoftWindows 2000 Professional andServer

Course 1560:Updating Support Skillsfrom Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 toMicrosoft Windows 2000

3 days

5 days

5 days

$1065

$1775

$1775

Exam 70-218: Managinga Microsoft Windows2000 NetworkEnvironment

Course 2126: Managing a MicrosoftWindows 2000 Network Environment

5 days $1775

References:

http://www.linuxworld.com/site-stories/2001/1018.tco.html

http://www.zdnet.com.au/newstech/os/story/0,2000024997,20270376,00.htm

13 Costs from one third-party training provider

Support Options

This section outlines some support options and costs for a Linux and Microsoft server, basedon published retail and third-party options.

Linux Support Options and Costs

Red Hat offers tiered support options for its products, ranging from automatic software updatesto one-hour incident response, as outlined in Table 8. On-line support for consumer and small-business Linux distributions is available via Red Hat, Inc.’s Red Hat Network, with basicservices available for a $60 subscription per year for each system. Red Hat Network provideselectronic notification about new fixes and updates, better search capabilities in Red Hat’sknowledge base, Internet on-line updating of systems, and download of new .iso releaseimages apart from public File Transfer Protocol (FTP) servers.

Some products, such as Advanced Server, are serviced by using annual subscription-basedplans, with optional services such as developer support, technical account management(dedicated software engineering), and other services based on premium support options.

In-house based support mechanisms may also be purchased and installed. Examples includeRed Hat’s Proxy Server and Satellite software systems, which provide local installation,upgrade and maintenance servers that mirror those from Red Hat.

Table 8—Red Hat Advanced Server Support Options and Costs14

Advanced Server

Basic Support

Advanced Server

Standard Support

Advanced Server

Premium Support

$799.00 $1499.00 $2499.00

9–5 weekday phone support

24/7 Web support

Scope of coverage isinstallation and configuration

9–5 weekday phone support ,domestic and international

24/7 Web support

Four business hours phoneresponse time

Two business days Web support

Medium scope of coverage

24x7 phone support

24/7 Web support

One hour phone support

One business day Web support

High scope of coverage

14 Includes software, product manuals, and annual support subscription costs

Red Hat, Inc. also offers various add-on products and services related to Red Hat LinuxAdvanced Server, such as developer support, technical management (to aid in transition,deployment, or migration), and managed services (for ongoing IS/IT operations).

Reference:

https://www.redhat.com/software/advancedserver/subscriptions/

Windows Support Options and Costs

Table 9 details just some of the available Windows 2000 Server Support options. Options areprovided for Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Advanced Server, along with the typeof support and cost.

Table 9—Sample Windows 2000 Server Product Microsoft Support Plans

Product Type Cost

Windows 2000 AdvancedServer

Windows 2000 Server

On-line $99 per incident

Windows 2000 AdvancedServer

Windows 2000 Server

Phone $245 per incident; five incidents for$1225

Windows 2000 AdvancedServer

Remote advisory Hourly, consultative fee at $210 perhour

Third-party Varies Negotiated

Although ACME could turn to paid support operations, such an approach does not make senseeconomically; one or more trained staff members may be employed following initial setup andtesting of the Microsoft-based network.

Reference:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;en-us;Prodoffer46a

Summary

It can be initially confusing when trying to balance, estimate, or judge the overall cost or qualityof service between using Red Hat Linux or Microsoft Windows 2000 support operations. ACMEshould consider that it represents a much larger client to Red Hat, Inc. than to Microsoft.Although this fact may or may not totally influence the quality of service, one would reasonablyexpect that Red Hat, Inc. would have a greater interest in satisfying the client concerns of abusiness the size of ACME.

Pick a Server Winner

Red Hat, Inc.’s server software clearly presents a more cost-effective solution for basic serverand network operations at ACME, provided that there are no conflicting operating system-specific needs. However, considering that Linux is flexible enough to be easily integrated into amixed-platform environment and does not have to be deployed as a total solution, ACME canderive a greater return on its initial software investment. This investment can be leveragedeven more over the longer term, as Linux and its host of software is available in source codeform. Had ACME invested in a proprietary software solution only five years ago (such asWindows 95SE and Windows NT), the company would be forced to upgrade, re-license,purchase new software, or pursue other forms of support outside official channels for softwareno longer supported or distributed by Microsoft. Although Red Hat, Inc. has recently imposedterm limits on its support of specific versions of its Linux distributions, these distributions caneasily be fixed or upgraded at little cost due to the open source nature of the software.

Client Computers

Off-the-shelf consumer-level PCs are cheaper today than ever before, and assembling thecomponents necessary to build a useful inventory for ACME’s desktops can be accomplishedrather quickly. Volume purchases can bring the cost of these desktops to even lower levels,and many PCs are equipped with more-than-adequate CPU horsepower, RAM, drive storage,and other built-in features to support productive desktop sessions.

However, several factors can affect the choice of a client computer base for ACME’scomputing infrastructure when using Linux. One issue is how users will be managed. Willusers be able to use local hard drive storage? Should users, user applications, and drivestorage be centralized on a server? Should thin clients be deployed and Linux booted over anetwork from a centralized server? Do any of ACME’s users require workstations with morecapabilities than a standard desktop? Will laptops be deployed for ACME’s mobile workforce?

Linux vs. W2K at the Client

This section describes and outlines Linux and Windows software for desktop and workstationuse. Much of ACME’s operations involve simple desktop operations, and the bulk of its 500users will be more than amply served by a base operating system and office productivity tools.These tools include an office suite providing word processing and spreadsheet calculations,and Internet-related tools supporting electronic mail and Web browsing.

Linux System and Software

For a truly inexpensive approach to desktop operating system acquisition and use, ACMEcould turn to Red Hat’s free Red Hat Linux 8.0 distribution for desktop operations. ACME’sservers may be easily configured to enable network installation of this desktop via FTP orHTTP, and the base install may be customized to either limit or expand the variety and type ofsoftware installed on a user’s PC.

Table 4 showed a listing of Red Hat commercial products for the desktop. Table 10 details afew of the common graphical desktop productivity applications included with all popular Linuxdistributions (including Red Hat), along with a commercial office productivity suite availablefrom Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Table 10—Linux Productivity Software, Purpose, and Cost

Client Applications Purpose Cost

Abiword Word processing Free; no royalties orlicensing

Evolution electronic mail; calendaring;intranet/Internet news; task and contactmanagement

Free; no royalties orlicensing

Gnumeric Spreadsheet operations Free; no royalties orlicensing

Mozilla Web browsing, HTML creation; electronicmail; Usenet news reading

free; no royalties orlicensing

NetscapeCommunicator

Web browsing, HTML creation; electronicmail; Usenet news reading

Free; no royalties orlicensing

KOffice Word processing; spreadsheetcalculations; image editing; presentations

Free; no royalties orlicensing

OpenOffice.org Word processing; spreadsheetcalculations; image editing; presentations

Free; no royalties orlicensing

StarOffice Word processing; spreadsheetcalculations; image editing; presentations;database operations

$75.95 single client;$1500 for 25 clients;$50.00 each per 150users to $25.00 each perup to 10,000 users

Reference:

http://www.sun.com/staroffice

W2K System and Software

This section provides a short table outlining the costs of various Windows desktop operatingsystems and software. Table 11 shows the difference in retail costs for two base desktopoperating systems, whereas Table 12 outlines the retail costs of various products in the officesuite family of products. Note that Windows 2000 or Windows XP provide base support only forthird-party or Microsoft productivity software, and do not include such applications.

Table 11—Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP Costs

Product Purpose Cost15

Windows2000Professional

Provides base client operating system for a PC $319 per seat;volume licensingavailable

Windows XPProfessional

Same as above; latest version of Windows desktopOS

$299 per seat;volume licensingavailable

Table 12—Microsoft Office Productivity Software, Components, and Costs

Product Components16 Cost

Standard word processing; spreadsheet calculations;presentations; electronic mail, electronic mail;calendaring; task and contact management

$479 per seat;volume discountsavailable

Professional word processing; spreadsheet calculations;presentations; electronic mail, electronic mail;calendaring; task and contact management; low-end database operations

$579 per seat;volume discountsavailable

Developer word processing; spreadsheet calculations;presentations; electronic mail, electronic mail;calendaring; task and contact management; low-end database operations; HTML development;development tools

$799 per seat;volume discountsavailable

References:

http://shop.microsoft.com/Referral/ProductInfo.asp?siteID=10798&typeID=6X

http://www.microsoft.com/office/howtobuy/choosing.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/office/howtobuy/pricing.asp

15 Costs do not include additional products, such as desktop operating systems or applications, and are based on retail quotesfrom Microsoft; independent VARs will offer discounts16 Microsoft also offers individual components of its office suite for purchase, although each costs (at retail) nearly as much as themore complete suite.

User Training/Productivity

Both Red Hat and Microsoft provide training and certification programs at a variety of levelsand at locations around the United States. On-site training support is also available at apremium cost and on-line training may be used as an alternative to avoid travel costs.

Microsoft certifications come in a variety of flavors, such as the base Microsoft CertifiedProfessional (MCP) credential, the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA),Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Database Administrator(MCDBA), Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCT), Microsoft Certified Application Developer(MCAD), Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD), and Microsoft Office Specialist(Office Specialist) and Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor.

Red Hat’s training and certification spans a thinner field with a focus on skill sets aimed atadvanced configuration, use, management, and administration of Red Hat Linux. CandidateRed Hat Certified Engineers can pursue the RHCE Rapid Track Course, RH033 Red Hat LinuxEssentials, RH133 Red Hat Linux System Administration, or RH253 Red Hat Linux Networkingand Security Administration courses. Experienced Microsoft engineers can sharpen transitionskills using RH033 or the more basic RH300 introductory course.

Refer to Tables 6 and 7 for a sampling of courses related to server administration (and for RedHat Linux, basic user training).

References:

https://www.redhat.com/training/rhce/examprep.html

http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/default.asp

Pick a Winner/Workstation

Outfitting a single desktop using a Microsoft operating system and office suite generallyexceeds the actual cost of the computer hardware, especially in base office PC hardwareplatforms. Complete office and desktop PC solutions are now available from many largevendors or sources in the less-than-$400-range, and even less if purchased with an installedoperating system.

Outfitting ACME’s 500 desktops using Red Hat Linux can range from a retail cost of $0 to$75,000. This wide range is based on how Linux is deployed, and does not take into accountthe cost of time and effort of setup and installation. Table 13 details several productapproaches that ACME could employ in outfitting its computers with Red Hat Linux. Discountsmay apply from Red Hat, Inc.

Table 13—Red Hat Linux 8.0 Deployment

Product Type Number Cost Total

Red Hat Linux 8.0 (free) 500 $0 $0

Red Hat Linux 8.0 Personal 500 $39.95 each $19,975

Red Hat Linux 8.0 (free) and Red Hatmanual sets

500 $49.95 each $24,975

Red Hat Linux 8.0 Professional 500 $149.95each

$74,975

Outfitting ACME’s 500 desktops using Microsoft software can range from a retail cost of$407,177 to $467,177. The range of costs is based on the type of operating system used andoffice software purchased, and includes retail client-access licensing for server access.Obviously, the actual cost will be much lower, depending on volume discounts derived fromlicensing options. PC system purchases with bundled operating system and office softwarecan bring discounts even lower. It is interesting to note that the office productivity softwareexpense exceeds the cost of the operating system, and it is reasonable to expect this ratio tobe present, even with volume discounts. Table 14 details several product approaches ACMEcould employ in outfitting its computers using Microsoft software.

Table 14—Microsoft Operating System and Software Deployment17

Product Type Number Cost Total

Windows XP 500 $299 each $149,500

Windows 2000 500 $319 each $159,500

CALs (Windows 2000 Server) 500 $799 per 20 $18,177

Office (Standard) 500 $479 each $239,500

Office (Professional) 500 $579 each $289,500

Summary

Red Hat Linux 8.0 is the obvious answer as a cost-effective, reliable desktop solution forACME’s user base, even considering deep discounts on Microsoft operating system, officesuite, and client-access licensing schemes. ACME can build its desktop user base for literallythe cost of the computing hardware and without the need for software audits or license trackingof installed software. Even using the most expensive retail packaged consumer version, Red

17 Based on retail costs; volume discounts will lower total cost.

Hat Linux Professional will cost one-fifth of outfitting ACME using similarly capable Microsoftproducts.

References and Additional Information

The following lists provide some sources of additional information, in book form, publishedmagazines, and on-line links. You can use these references to get more information about theconcepts, companies, and software discussed in this paper.

Basic On-line References

The following are some of the links referenced in this narrative, along with a description ofeach link. You can use these links as basic starting points to learn more about the softwareand services.

Microsoft’s Offerings

http://www.microsoft.com/hwdq/hcl/scnet.asp—Windows 2000 Server hardware compatibilitylisting.

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/R1142/v31site/x86/nt4/en/thanksstart.htm —Starting pointfor updating any Windows product.

http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/navigation.asp?subid=22&nv=1—Microsoft's businesssoftware product catalog.

http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/navigation.asp?subid=22&nv=2—Microsoft's operatingsystem and server software catalog.

http://support.microsoft.com/—Microsoft's base support page, with links to its database ofsupport articles, software downloads, support information and FAQs, contact information,customer service, and on-line newsgroups.

http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/default.asp—Microsoft's certification and training homepage.

Linux Offerings

http://www.redhat.com—Home page for Red Hat, Inc.'s Red Hat Linux distribution and othersoftware and services.

http://www.redhat.com/apps/download/—Download page for Red Hat's free Open Sourcesoftware.

http://www.redhat.com/training/—Starting point for learning more about Red Hat, Inc.'s trainingand certification programs.

http://www.redhat.com/services/engagement/—Red Hat, Inc.'s information pages devoted to itsmigration methodologies, which Red Hat terms "engagement."

http://www.redhat.com/pdf/seminars/Deploy_and_Manage_RHLAS.pdf—A summary of RedHat's Advanced Server deployment and management seminar.

The Free Software Foundation and GNU Software

http://www.fsf.org—Home page for the Free Software Foundation.

http://www.gnu.org—Home page for the GNU software project, the GNU General PublicLicense, and other information about free software.

http://www.gnu.org/directory—Direct links to more than 2,000 packages of free software fromThe Free Software Foundation.

Books

The following books may prove helpful for learning more about the projects and players in thefree software and open source movements.

Moody, Glyn. Rebel Code. Perseus Publishing, 2001. History of the Open Source Movement,along with coverage of major open source software projects and programmers.

Torvalds, Linus and Diamond, David. Just for Fun. Harper Business, 2001. The story aboutLinux and Linus Torvalds as told by Linus Torvalds.

Wayner, Peter. Free for All. HarperBusiness, 2000. The story of Linux, the Open Sourcemovement, and the movers and shakers of free software.

Williams, Sam. Free as in Freedom. O'Reilly, 2002. A story of Richard M. Stallman's life andthe birth, growth and development of the free software movement.

Young, Bob and Rohm, Wendy Goldman. Under the Radar. Coriolius, 1999. Red Hat's historyand business model as told by former CEO Bob Young.

About Us | Advertise On InformIT | Contact US |Site Map | Book Registration © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. InformIT Division. All rights reserved. Legal NoticePrivacy Policy

IT-ED-2109-2003