Bangalore firm launches Linux server

BANGALORE: A Bangalore-based firm has launched what it claims to be India’s first Linux-bundled server being sold commercially. Linux Smart World will manufacture and install these servers, called Linux Smart Server, for Rs. 99,999.

According to Linux Smart World Chief Executive Officer A. Chandrasekar, the server will come pre-loaded and configured with NFS and NIS Server, client server, domain name server, dial-in/out server, mailing system Web server, proxy server, print server, firewall and Washington University FTP.

Mr. Chandrasekar said that Linux Smart server would be targeted towards all kinds of organisation, especially the small and medium enterprise, with about 50-100 user terminals, that have offices spread across the country. He added that one of the biggest advantage of the server was its cost, which is substantially lower than a server with Windows NT or similar software installed.

"Almost all the Linux server software is available free of cost. This is the reason that we are able to sell the server at such a low cost. We have the added expertise in installing and configuring these software so that it can be used without any difficulty," he added. He also promises to provide one year warranty and support.

The hardware configuration of the server will constitute Intel Pentium III 500MHz, 440BX Intel chip set, 128MB RAM, among other regular features. The company will also be launching an AMD processor version of the Linux server at a cost of Rs 69,999.

Mr. Chandrasekar said that the database would either be Oracle or Informix version of Linux. He is also planning to launch an accounting software on Linux platform. He is currently holding talks with some of the established brands in accounting software for the release of their Linux version, he revealed.

In an attempt to promote the awareness of Linux and its wider use, Mr. Chandrasekar has also launched a club under Linux Smar World. The members are given access to Linux courses at reduced rates, participation in periodical meetings, seminars and get help from the existing members through phone calls.