IBM Lotus Foundations is an extensive collection of business applications that run on an embedded, Linux based appliance. Built on an open source Linux platform with a sub 100MB size – patches and upgrades take seconds. The platform is primarily managed using a web browser and can send email notifications. The “headless” server does not need a monitor and the integrated LCD Control Panel can be used to configure the network and the automatic backups.
It is ideal for any business not only because of it’s rich software application offerings, but also because of it’s security features. It offers complete protection for your network from Internet connection to desktop. Software updates are fully automatic and safe. Backups are automatic. Restores are easy. Lotus Foundations can provide your business with the following services with one machine:
- File and Print services
- Email, Calendar, Contacts, Sharing, Secure Webmail
- Office Productivity Tools
- Easy Backups
- Firewall, Anti-Virus, Anti-Spam
- Easy and Safe Updates
- Web Server to securely host your website
- VPN, SSL connectivity
- virtual machines for any other solutions
Hardware wise, IBM offers an “Entry model’ and an “Advanced Model”, both available with upgrades such as memory, primary drives, idb drives and more. The “Integrated Disk-Backup” (idb) provides automated backups as often as every 15 minutes. The idb drives can be removed and swapped which allows for archiving. A LCD Control Panel is integrated to allow for network and backup management control, if required. Full administration is performed using a web browser. The server does not have a video output – no monitor required.
Benefits
- complete solution for small to medium sized businesses
- outstanding reliability with very low downtime
- automatic backups as frequent as every 15 minutes
- automatic updates that are safe
- cost savings over similar Windows implementations
As a IBM partner, Monitor Your Assets can help you setup and get the most out of a Lotus Foundations Server for your business.
Documents:
Lotus Foundations Overview Video , Solution Brief, Datasheet
Case Studies (IBM):
MA Design, San Miguel School, Murak & Associates, SNNCS
White Papers:
A New Approach to Software, Small Business Software You Don’t Have to Think About