Celestix Intros Domino Appliance
Celestix Networks Inc., a developer of Linux-based appliance servers now ships an appliance running Lotus Development Corp.'s Domino messaging server. The Aries Collaboration Server comes with Domino pre-installed and configured.
The appliance is designed as a gateway for small and branch offices to connect with enterprise Domino servers. In addition to Domino, the Aries Collaboration Server offers firewall, DHCP and routing functionality. It features PCMCIA slots, allowing administrators to add 802.11 cards and use it as a wireless base station.
Administrators can configure the server either through a Web-based interface or by telnetting into the box. Umar Hameed, vice president of sales and marketing at Celestix, says administrators with little Linux experience can easily administer the machine, a distinct advantage over a standard server. "You can get a generic box to do the same trick, but you need a lot of expertise," he says.
Hameed also believes that Linux offers the best value for customers. In addition to the stability and performance of Linux, he says that Windows cannot match the $1,000 price point of Aries. "An NT server box is going to be over four grand a box [with] licenses and software," he says.