Linux can Offer High Performance Firewall Solutions

There are many Linux Distributions that are dedicated to one task and that is performing firewall duties. Linux firewalls installed on the right hardware can offer a highly scalable - high performance firewall at a fraction of what other Firewall Appliances costs.

To clear up any confusion specialty Linux Products such as high performance firewall Software Packages and even Server Products are not free versions. However the cost is very modest when compared to other alternatives. At Elite Networking Solutions we do not use free versions of Linux Firewall Solutions for the Production Servers.

Linux firewall solutions can offer:

 

• Statefull packet inspection and awesome utilities and reporting solutions
• VPN Solutions that will rival other VPN Solutions.
• Reliable - Dependable - trouble free. Other then the odd software updates most firewall solutions runs months between reboots.
• Highly scalable without adding new costs. Many Firewall vendors charge additional fees as you add additional users to your network and these fees can add up very quick. With a Linux Firewall solution your network can grow without adding new costs.
• Modest Hardware Requirements. Considering the cost of a level entry server which from most vendors can start off as low as $500.00 compare that to other Solutions. You will be hard pressed to find a better alternative.

This could be the perfect solution for the growing network.

 

High Performance File Servers

While Microsoft Server is a great Operating System it does require considerable hardware resources. Even the most modest server running Microsoft Server 2003 is an expensive option for Small Business. The latest versions of Linux like SUSE and Red Hat Enterprise Server and CentOS are very happy running Level Entry Servers. Check out companies like Dell - HP and you will see that a level entry server can be a great investment for those Small Businesses looking for reliable secure file servers.

For a fraction in hardware and software costs Small Business can enjoy powerful file servers that will simply out perform most server operating systems.

 

Consider the following:

 

1. Linux Servers are generally trouble free for years. This is a known fact!
2. Linux Servers are now offered by some of the Largest Server Manufactures such as Dell- Acer - HP - IBM.
3. Linux Servers are becoming easier to manage. With advances in software design Linux and Unix is becoming far easier to Learn and use.
4. With features such as Samba - file sharing is easily integrated into Microsoft Networks. Samba has been around for years and it is designed to match file sharing just like that found on Microsoft Windows Servers.
5. Security Threats  - Virus Problems - Updates  - Patches are less a concern for Linux and Unix.
6. Virtual Server Software allows your Linux Server to emulate other Server Products such as Microsoft

A Great Example of Linux Costs can be seen by viewing this page.

At Elite Networking Solutions we are Red Hat Certified and we feel that Red Hat Server versions offer the best value for small business.

 

Linux Solutions for the Desktop

 

Linux can be the perfect solution for companies looking to extend the life of corporate desktops. Are you a business that still runs Windows 98 or Windows ME? Or do you have P3's or first generation P4 computers that you would like to see perform better without hardware upgrades. Many businesses face this exact problem and with the discontinuation of Windows updates for Windows 98 and Windows ME - the lack of suitable virus protection for those workstation and the list goes on a Linux Solution might be the perfect answer.

Today there are suitable versions of Linux that offer the following:

 

• Affordable - compared to the cost of Microsoft Windows Linux can save you considerable
• Ease of Install and Great Hardware Support - Even laptops are now widely supported. In fact at Elite Networking Solutions we run straight Linux on our Acer 4010 Notebooks and we love it!
• With products such as Wine and Cross Over Office many Microsoft Windows Products such as Ms Office - Adobe and various accounting software packages can be installed and used.
• Trouble Free Email without the problem of Viruses or Junk Email. Many email products for Linux have features that are the same as Outlook. Even PDA's can be used.
• Stable work environment - Linux runs very well and system crashes are very rare.

 

Linux can provide a number of alternatives and as development continues Linux can really be a business solution that will extend the life of your desktop and laptop computers. Call Us Today and get the real facts on how Linux can work for you!!!