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Date:      Thu, 11 Apr 2002 14:21:42 +0300
From:      Odhiambo Washington <wash@wananchi.com>
To:        freebsd-isp@freebsd.org
Subject:   CUSTOM BUILT SERVERS
Message-ID:  <20020411112142.GE90954@ns2.wananchi.com>

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Hiya,

I work for an ISP and one of the needs that we see arising is the need
to have a good number of staff being able to at least act as operators
for our core systems. I'm looking at a situation where e-mail accounts
can be added by Customer Service Staff, the small things can be done by
them and so I can dedicate my time on other things, like R&D. The Sysadmin
should only come in when there is a major issue.

Currently I run a few FreeBSD boxes here and 2 RedHed boxes, each with some
applications to handle. We're stuck with Redhat boxes because of Oracle/EXTENT
RBS (I'm sure some of you know about RBS).
The FreeBSD boxes are my darlings - HTTP,DNS, POP, SMTP, Proxy, etc. I'm currently
having a secanrio where I have a couple hundred virtual domains which I serve
using Apache (Webmail), TPOP3D (POP3), EXIM and MySQL. It's a whole bandwagon
of apps but it works for me.

Now OTOH I have these Customer Service staff whom I want to be able to operate
these services. You know what that means also in terms of security! My boss wants
me to do at least 4 hrs a day R&D so I have to shed off some ofmy work.

Many of you out there must have come across these custom server. I am also willing
to pay for it. I am ready to discuss this with anyone. The important thing is
this is something that should take me thro at least the next 2 years before I
consider a change/upgrade.


The basic specs:


1. Runs on BSD (FreeBSD most preferred)
2. Has support for virtual domains
3. Robust support for aliasing
4. GUI/Web Interface that will allow a mere 'operator' to manage it
5. Gives webmail access to both 'real' and 'virtual' users
6. Allows strict relay controlling?
7. Flexible MTA (Exim preffered)
8. Actively developed/supported
9. Possibly bundled with LDAP-based services
10. Cost effective
11. Can interface with a proprietary system like EXTENT RBS??

My boss suggests we buy something like that (bundled messaging server).
This would 'free' me from having to worry so much about Exim, virtual
domains, courier-imap, ldap (not yet running for me) - although I know
this may make me a pumpkin kinda....

What advise do you have for me on this? Anything that you can recommend
will be appreciated.

All ideas, with supporting evidence if possible, are welcome.


-Wash

Systems Admin - Wananchi Online Ltd.

-- 
Odhiambo Washington  <wash@wananchi.com>    "The box said 'Requires
Wananchi Online Ltd.  www.wananchi.com      Windows 95, NT, or better,'
Tel: 254 2 313985-9   Fax: 254 2 313922     so I installed FreeBSD."   
GSM: 254 72 743 223   GSM: 254 733 744 121  This sig is McQ!  :-)
++
A jury consists of 12 persons chosen to decide
who has the better lawyer.
		-- Robert Frost

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