This is a concise guide looking at what is involved in migrating from Microsoft Small Business Server to the Igaware Linux Small Business Server. It is concise because it is a relatively straight forward process.
The Igaware Linux Small Business Server is delivered as a ready built server, matching the needs of the customer (number of users, storage capacity etc). The Igaware Linux Small Business Server is scalable and has no user limits.
To configure the Igaware Linux Small Business Server an understanding of networking is needed - as long as you know your DHCP from your MX record, you should be fine. You don't need any Linux knowledge as the Igaware Linux Small Business Server is managed through a web interface. You can checkout the interface here.
Updates, including software patches and upgrades, happen automatically. Once installed the Igaware Linux Small Business Server requires little maintenance; it looks after itself, alerting you by email if there are any software or hardware issues. If you have an issue you can speak to us and we can remotely access your server and assist.
The Igaware Linux Small Business Server is continuously updated automatically with latest software updates, including new features and functionality (you can ask for new features). This means the Igaware Linux Small Business Server is always up-to-date and secure.
Support
The big difference with Igaware is that you can get immeadiate support, help is always just a phone call away. Once you have setup Internet access to the Igaware Linux Small Business Server, we can access the server remotely and help you.
Security
The Igaware Linux Small Business Server includes an enterprise class UTM firewall, so no additional equipment/software is required. The Igaware Linux Small Business Server can, however, work in conjunction with third party equipment.
Setting up Internet access
The Igaware Linux Small Business Server can be connected directly to all types of broadband, including ADSL, cable and fibre.
If an existing firewall is to be retained, then simply ensure traffic is passed through to the Igaware Linux Small Business Server (most firewalls have a DMZ function that allows this), and outbound access is unfiltered.
The Igaware Linux Small Business Server can be configured with multiple WAN ports (depending on hardware) allowing fail-over and load balancing to be configured.
ADSL typically requires a connection via a router. The router must be configured to ensure all Internet inbound traffic is passed through the Igaware Linux Small Business Server and all outbound traffic is unblocked.
Cable broadband is often supplied with a DHCP modem, which is supported by the Igaware Linux Small Business Server. The Igaware Linux Small Business Server also supports PPPoE, so fibre can be connected directly to one of the Ethernet WAN ports.
The Igaware Linux Small Business Server UTM supports VPN connectivity including PPTP, IPSec and SSL, so connections to remote servers and users are supported. VPN to third party firewalls is supported using open standards.
Integrating with existing servers
The Igaware Linux Small Business Server can be installed standalone, as the sole server on a network, or alongside existing servers. The Igaware Linux Small Business Server can be setup as a member of an existing domain, integrate with an existing ADS, be enabled as a primary domain controller or enabled as an Active Directory Server in it's own right.
Migrating desktops
The Igaware Linux Small Business Server supports all desktop flavours of Windows, and supports domain and workgroup log-on. Migration should be seamless for end users, their desktops looking the same as they did prior to migration; mapped network drives, desktop themes, and shortcuts, all remaining intact. And for Outlook users, this is fully supported for exchange functionality by Kopano Groupware; the exchange replacement server running on the Igaware Linux Small Business Server.
Migration of desktops is the time consuming element. For desktops that have been properly maintained this should be a matter of 15 minutes per desktop, an hour for desktops that are need of some 'attention'.
The Igaware Linux Small Business Server supports any desktop operating system and can work with a mix of different versions. There's no need for uniformity, unless you need to use roaming profiles which the Igaware Linux Small Business Server supports.
Network computers can be connected to the Igaware Linux Small Business Server as a member of a the workgroup, or a domain - the Igaware Linux Small Business Server can be enabled as the primary domain controller and roaming user profiles can be enabled.
Migrating user profiles
A simple way to achieve this is to find the users profile folder on the local desktop and copy the profile somewhere safe. e.g. the desktop. When the desktop user logs onto the Igaware Linux Small Business Server for the first time, any new profile created can be populated with the previous profile data by simply copying the contents of the previous profile into the new folder.
Transferring file server data
The Igaware Linux Small Business Server allows you to create file shares to which data can then be copied. The easiest way to do this is to simply drag and drop through windows explorer.
Mapped network drives can be created, either manually or by setting up logon scripts on the Igaware Linux Small Business Server.
Migrating email
The Kopano Groupware Server, running on the Igaware Linux Small Business Server, provides exchange functionality, integrating with Outlook. See the Kopano Groupware Setup Guide.
There is a Kopano Groupware migration tool that can be used to migrate exchange stores/pst files directly into Kopano Groupware - all email, calendar entries, tasks and contacts are migrated.
Enabling desktop Internet access
Internet access policies can be created by machine or domain group. Machines must be listed in the Igaware Linux Small Business Server outgoing firewall to be granted Internet access. Machines can be detected by running a scan or by manually entering the IP address of the desktop computer.
How long will it take?
The Igaware Linux Small Business Server can be configured in half a day for up to 50 users. This can be done before arriving on site. The time consuming part is migrating desktops and data.
In our experience, allowing a day per 10 users is a good guide. It really depends on the state of the network that is being migrated, and any 'unknowns' you discover along the way. A thorough pre-installation survey should minimise any unknown factors. We have seen 50 users migrated to the Igaware Linux Small Business Server in two days and some 10 user systems take 2 days.
The key thing is you are never alone and can speak to us at any point before, during and after migration.
Note: We recommend reading the Igaware User Manual available from our web site.
If you need our help please call +44 (0)191 303 6177 and ask for support or email support@igaware.com.