Start from scratch
Unfortunately, First Comm didn't have and couldn't develop a Linux guru, so after about a month of use, it decided to ditch its Red Hat 6.2 software setup in favor of the, NetMax Professional Internet Suite a customized Linux distribution for Internet sites.
In essence, NetMax enables you to build your very own Internet appliance based on any PC commodity hardware. At US$500 a copy, it's not free software, but it allowed the financially constrained First Comm to do enough without having to hire a Linux guru.
NetMax provides virtual Web hosting, headache-free e-mail configuration, simple user account maintenance and networking services configuration, all from an idiot-proof Web-based interfaceââ,¬"and that's what First Comm was looking for. NetMax also is fully configurable if you're looking into open-source e-commerce-type applications like OpenSales or if you need to provide PHP-based and XML dynamic Web content through Zope or Enhydra.
Flavor To Taste
In the end, First Comm found that simply biting into a popular Linux-based Internet server solution doesn't work. Linux itself is inexpensive, but implementing a solution, especially without completely understanding the situation, can be as expensive as any commercial setup.
The lessons here are the same ones we've heard about for years, even before the open-source software revolution. You need a solid analysis of your customer's needs, requirements and technical resources to implement your suggested solutions. Armed with that recipe, your installation should be far more palatable than that of First Communications.
Call For Backup
If you're going to go the Caldera, Red Hat or Turbo Linux route, consider a support contract from any of those companies. After all, that's what separates the commercial Linux vendors from the "me too" distributions. And when you eventually do get stuck with a tech-support problem for which your local Linux whizzes don't have an answer, even with the help of Usenet or IRC, you'll have someone to fall back on for assistance.
If you do decide to go with a lesser-known distribution, or even roll your own, you should still concoct your own support net. San Francisco-based Linuxcare is an ideal partner.
