[NBLUG/talk] Linux in offices initiative

[Omar Eljumaily]

Hello, I've been using Linux servers in a couple of small offices in 
Santa Rosa for about 15 years now.  I've developed a sort of laundry 
list of issues that I think would make things much easier for businesses 
to use Linux in their offices.

I found your Linux user group and was wondering if anybody had any 
thoughts on the idea of developing a list of apps and/or best practices 
for using Linux in office settings.  I know there are already things 
like this in various forms, and a lot of apps that are already 
available.  Perhaps putting something like this together would be just a 
matter of assembling existing apps and information.

Some of the issues that I deal with on a daily basis, and I believe 
aren't addressed in a formal manner for Linux are the following. I'm 
using Centos right now, but am in the process of moving to Ubuntu LTS 
for various reasons.

1. A robust, consistent solution for GUI based configuration management 
that works across major releases.

2.  Best practices for backup & mirroring, including recommendations for 
hardware and hot swapping.

3. A solution for cloud synchronization of local data.  Also concerning 
this issue would be a discussion of when (or if) it makes sense to run a 
local server as opposed to an offsite cloud server or application.

4. Standardized maintenance agreements with example pricing.

5. Firewall and security recommendations.

6. Development of a consistent platform for application serving. Some 
variation of LAMP, but with provisions for trials, plug and play, etc.

These is a short and incomplete list.  Sorry to barge in and start 
blabbing about it.  I thought it would be nice to start a conversation 
with local people about this if anybody's interest.

Thanks,

Omar