Linux, created by Linus Torvalds, has taken the global IT market by storm. In Oman, Innovations Computers & Telecom is offering Linux-based business solutions to help companies to meet challenges on the IT front
Linux has emerged as one of the world's most powerful operating systems. Besides contributing to the growth of internet, it has provided a cost-effective server platform, powering the mail server, web server and databases across industries.
In Oman, Innovations Computers & Telecom LLC offers a wide range of consulting services on the Linux platform. According to Al-Qasim Al-Khalili, General Manager, Innovations Computers & Telecom, "Just imagine buying an operating system, email server, proxy server, firewall and instant messaging server separately from the world's most popular software company. It costs a lot of money plus headache for licenses and upgradation. But all these softwares come free with the Linux server. One only needs to configure and pay for the services. There is no restriction of users' licenses as the Linux Operating System is free. The hardware requirement is also less -a Pentium machine with 128 or 256 MB RAM and hard disk of 20 GB is enough."
Business solutions
Innovations offers Linux Business Solutions that can be used as:
File Server - Users can save their files on a Linux Centralised Server instead of on their desktops. Backup data can also be scheduled on Linux servers. Since Linux OS is known to be stable and its vulnerability to viruses is low, files and important data can be stored and shared among network users in a safe and secure environment.
Mail Server - Linux can be configured as a centralised email server, using a single line and a modem for all users in an organisation. Users can also have email communication within the organisation.
Proxy Server - Linux can be configured as a strong proxy server, with a cache of recently visited websites. Logs can be generated of proxy server to check the internet usage among employees. User restriction is also possible and certain departments or set of employees can be allowed to use emails but not to browse the internet.
Firewall - Linux has a very powerful built-in firewall known as IP-Chains. This protects the server as well as the network from any illegal activity by hackers or other worm threats, such as MS Blaster and Sasser.
Instant Messaging Server -Linux can be configured as a local, instant messaging server. Users can have instant messaging within the organisation while at the same time outsiders can be barred from communicating with the users. Logs of a chat session can also be saved.
Fax Server - This solution is suitable for companies where many fax machines are used simultaneously. It saves time and effort, and maximises productivity. It allows everybody to fax documents from their PCs. Logs of outgoing transmissions can also be easily generated.
Oman Economic Review 2007
