Small shops considering adding a dedicated workgroup server to their existing peer-to-peer network have one priority: set and forget. Unlike larger enterprise server software, workgroup server software is expected to deliver many services efficiently from one physical box. Several vendors have addressed these issues and are seizing the opportunity to provide set-and-forget workgroup server software for the small enterprise or branch office.

This research note compares the strengths and challenges associated with Collax Business Server, ClarkConnect, Nitix, Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2, and Xandros Server. Topics of interest include:

• Minimum criteria for a workgroup or branch office server.
• Discussion of the challenges inherent in the workgroup server space, and those specific to Linux offerings.
• Summary of each contender from both vendor and product perspectives.
• Strengths and weaknesses of both vendors and product offerings.

This comparison will help IT leaders with the process of choosing a set-and-forget workgroup server software solution that provides a range of mature services such as groupware, storage shares, e-mail, Web hosting, and VPN.