Bake-Off: 4 Linux Desktops Tackle The Enterprise

Xandros 4 Professional
The Xandros 4 Professional Desktop might be the best choice for small companies. Xandros has gone to great lengths to make its Desktop product easy to use and feel like you're working on Windows XP. Solution providers should seriously look at the Xandros Desktop.

In addition to OpenOffice, Xandros Desktop arrives with CodeWeavers' CrossOver Office suite, which runs Microsoft Access and Excel on Xandros' Desktop. CodeWeavers' CrossOver Linux tool, which is based on the open-source Wine technology, now runs hundreds of Windows-based applications natively. From WinZip to Adobe's Photoshop, the CrossOver technology can help solution providers migrate many desktop applications.

The Xandros Desktop follows many of the same procedures used by Windows users to connect to networks and share files. For instance, Xandros can authenticate directly to Active Directory or a Windows PDC. What's more, Xandros includes an option to share Windows files. The options for sharing are similar to Windows XP.

Xandros Desktop arrives with a full security suite that integrates antivirus, firewall and a system file protector to detect spyware. In addition, Xandros includes an automated security patching tool that connects to Xandros Networks and works like the Windows XP auto update feature.

Xandros Professional includes a Desktop Management Server application to help manage user accounts, servers and computers. In addition, the management server helps solution providers manage software installation from a central repository server.

Xandros Professional arrives with an Evolution e-mail client and Scalix connector, which allow users to receive e-mails at any time, even during peak hours. The Scalix collaboration platform provides a migration path for Exchange.

Xandros has taken direct steps to work with partners so that they can sell its OS and also profit from services such as remote administration, storage and backup and application installations. According to Xandros, margins based on the sale of the OS and its automated services are enough by themselves to support small solution providers.

Xandros now has a dedicated channel support team to help partners with lead generation, outbound calling and marketing material support. This year Xandros is helping partners sell the OS to financial services companies, schools and government municipalities.

Next: The Bottom Line