The advantages of central data storage compared to distributed storage on workstations are obvious:
 

• Teamwork becomes easier
• Administration is simplified
• Structured backups are possible
   

The data can be accessed from any computer using any operating system. The network drives can be used just like local hard disks in Windows, Apple, Linux, and UNIX computers. The Collax Network Storage module can also be setup as a print server too for central management of all network printers.

• The data of the file server can be accessed with all common operating systems. The following protocols are available for implementing network shares: CIFS (Common Internet File System), SMB (Server Message Block), AFP (Apple Filing Protocol), NFS (Net File System), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), or SCP (Secure CoPy).

• To avoid having to enter user names and passwords over and over again (single sign-on), the file server can be included in a Windows domain. This may be a PDC or NT domain or an Active Directory. After Windows is started, the user automatically receives the shares assigned to him as well as a private share (home).

• Hard disks are managed with the help of logical volume management (LVM). This technology creates a comprehensive data area spanning all available disks. Individual hard disks can be added or removed as needed.

• Data and directories can be synchronized between two file servers or between the file server and the workstations. As the process makes moderate use of the bandwidth, the data synchronization is also suitable for distributing information to different branch offices.

• The access rights can be defined precisely (ACL support) for the users of the file server.

• All data and directories can be included in a backup schedule.

• All users can take advantage of the convenient search function via Web access. It is possible to search for file names and file contents. Thanks to the index, the search results are delivered in no time.

• The storage space can be limited for users or groups (quotas).

• The files are stored in a journaling file system. This makes sure that the entire file system remains consistent even after a power failure.

• Installed Collax Platform Server
• Hard Disk: 80 GB, recommanded RAID 1

Demo-System

The link bellow will take you to a demonstration system. This is a live running Collax Platform Server with the following modules installed on it:

• Collax Communication
• Collax Network Storage
• Collax Web Application
• Collax Mail Security
• Collax Net Security
• Collax Web Security
• Collax Surf Protection
• Collax E-Mail Archive

The system will refresh itself every hour so feel free to investigate the system. To enter the system your login credentials are:

Username: admin

Password: server2010

To enter the demo system, please click here:

Note:

As the demo server resets itself regularly it is possible that you make changes during the reset process. If this happens, obviously, nothing may happen. Also your changes will be cleared after an hour.

Also note that the link opens up in a new browser window.