One piece (collection) of software Linux really isn't competing with is Microsoft's Active Directory. I, unfortunately, do Windows IT work and while at times it is incredibly frustrating I have to admit that Active Directory is decent and that it really is way ahead of its Open Source counterparts in terms of ease of use, consistent UI, and software integration. Also, things like Group Policy that allow you to make setting changes or software installations on all the computers you are responsible for really simplifies things.
Sure, you can do these things with open-source software by, say, using OpenLDAP, sending commands via SSH and setting up your own Repositories but it certainly isn't as easy or intuitive as Active Directory.
If Linux had a free directory service that easily supported Windows, Linux. and OSX I think that would be a major step forward for Linux/Open Source in small-medium sized business and cross-platform support would be a bridge to seeing Linux on the business desktop.
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I came across FreeIPA today, actually. Seems promising...
One piece (collection) of software Linux really isn't competing with is Microsoft's Active Directory. I, unfortunately, do Windows IT work and while at times it is incredibly frustrating I have to admit that Active Directory is decent and that it really is way ahead of its Open Source counterparts in terms of ease of use, consistent UI, and software integration. Also, things like Group Policy that allow you to make setting changes or software installations on all the computers you are responsible for really simplifies things.
Sure, you can do these things with open-source software by, say, using OpenLDAP, sending commands via SSH and setting up your own Repositories but it certainly isn't as easy or intuitive as Active Directory.
If Linux had a free directory service that easily supported Windows, Linux. and OSX I think that would be a major step forward for Linux/Open Source in small-medium sized business and cross-platform support would be a bridge to seeing Linux on the business desktop.