Server admin suite controls rival platforms

Likewise suite manages Windows and Linux servers

Server management tools vendor Centeris is getting ready to launch its cross-platform suite for managing Linux and Windows servers in Europe in January.

The news follows worldwide beta testing of the startup firm’s Likewise management suite, which enables Windows and Linux servers to be managed using popular tools such as Microsoft’s Management Console (MMC).

The suite also enables Linux Apache web servers to be managed from the Likewise console running on a Windows system, and allows Linux file and print services to be managed using the standard Windows wizards.

A Centeris spokesman said over half of the beta downloads were made by European customers, so there is a lot of interest in this territory.

Besides MMC modules for managing Linux servers, Likewise also enables Linux servers and users to be integrated with Microsoft Active Directory to provide a single enterprise-wide authentication system for both Windows and Linux users. This approach can also be used to manage file permissions for both Linux and Windows systems using Active Directory.

The tool also enables IT staff to support Windows clients from a Linux workstation, which could enable IT departments to lower licence costs by equipping helpdesk staff with Linux systems.

Other savings from using Likewise are possible. Many firms find it easier and cheaper to recruit Windows administration staff than Linux experts, so products such as Likewise are likely to prove increasingly attractive as more firms deploy Linux-based servers.