Linbox Versatile Server (LVS)

 
IT needs are the same, from the biggest to the tiniest companies : proper management of their facility, back-ups and communications is, mor than ever, crucial. Users have to be able to access their business e-mails whether they are at home or at work, surf the Internet in a secure manner, access and download files from anywhere and be sure that, in case a problem occurs, computers and files can be rapidly restored in a just a few clicks. They also need to be instantly assisted whenever needed. All of this has to be achieved in a secured, reliable, fast and cost-effective manner.
 
Linbox/FAS has developed a server with multiple functions, handled via a single, user-friendly, web interface :

• controlled shared access to Internet,
• secured external access to e-mails and files,
• file sharing,
• full e-mail management with (optional) antivirus, anti-spam filter and quarantine storage of the  executables binaries,
• system and users files back-up for every computer,
• secured access through gateway for users remote assistance.

The Linbox Versatile Server is ideal for small to medium size companies looking for the most cost effective network and facility management solution.
Linbox/FAS can provide remote or on-site support package including server monitoring, problem fixing and users assistance.
 

1. Main features

1.1. Firewall

The LVS prevents unauthorized persons from penetrating your network through the Internet.
 

1.2. Shared Internet access

Any user connected to the network has the ability to surf the web, in the limits of predefined access rights (e.g. mail only, limited list of websites ...). A cache memory (proxy) speeds the access to previously displayed pages. It is also possible to lock up pop-ups and advertising banners. All the features are easily manageable through the web interface.
 

1.3. Mail server

Having your own mail server offers multiple advantages in terms of control and safety.

• Provided that you have your own domain name (@yourcompanyname.com) and a static IP address you can create as many accounts as you want.
• When coming into one mailbox, each message is filtered several times :
• • All suspect attached messages are directed to quarantine if they wear an unauthorized extension (e.g. .pif .exe),
  • Other authorized extensions are sanitized when relevant (e.g. .doc with macros),
  • Spamassassin rejects most of the unrequested messages,
  • The (optional) antivirus runs the final check before delivering the message into the mailbox.
• We recommend using the IMAP protocol instead of POP :
• • The server always keep a copy of mails delivered to the client, until they are deleted,
  • Each user can access his messages, either through his mail client from his own workstation, or from any other PC, mobile phone or PDA through webmail;
• In case of absence (e.g. vacation), it is easy to generate automatic messages informing a sender that you are out of the office for several days.
• For easier teamwork the server has the ability to handle mailing lists.

 

1.4. File sharing

Each user, or group of users, has his own dedicated file storage area. Each area is ideal for teamwork and is also accessible from the outside through an encrypted connection.
 

1.5. System backup

Thanks to the LRS server software, any PC running Windows or Linux can be backed-up and restored when rebooted.
The system backup is a full image of the hard disk including the operating system, softwares and all parameters ...
In case of major failiure (e.g. virus infection or hard disk breakage), uploading the complete image, from the server via the network will just take a few minutes (e.g. 10 to 15mn for a PC with Windows + Office XP). This can be, of course, achieved from a distant site.
 

1.6. Users files backup

The LVS will automatically back up any file lately created or modified, each time the PC is connected to the network and/or over a 24h period.
A file present on several backups (various dates on a PC or different PCs part of the same network) will only be backed up once.
Thanks to this technique and to compression, approximately a third only of the original disk space is used. It is thus typical to store backups over a rolling 30 days period before deletion.
The storage on hard disk, combined with the use of a web interface makes life very easy. Restoring a file or a directory is just a few clicks away.
 

1.7. Secured access for remote user assistance

Once a small remote takeover software has been installed on each PC,  an administrator or a hotliner can get secured access to a client PC (through ssh tunnel when required), after having been invited by the user.
It is then very easy for the user to enjoy almost instant problem fixing or get any other kind of assistance.
 
 

2. Components

 
The LVS is based on the following components/modules :

• full Web administration interface,
• proxy with blacklist module,
• firewall,
• secured server access ,
• mail download via fetchmail,
• internal IMAP mail server,
• webmail external mail access,
• (optional free or  proprietary) antivirus,
• antispam,
• Web/SSL server,
• Windows/Linux file server ,
• system backup,
• users files backup,
• remote control.

 

3. Service

Linbox/FAS can offer different levels of integration into your existing network and proposes two types of monthly maintenance contracts.
 
The level 1 contract focuses on remote monitoring and maintenance of both server and backups. It includes all security softwares updates and remote restart in case of problem
The level 2 contract adds 8 hours on-site assistance commitment in case of the problem could not be handled remotely, and temporary server replacement in case of harware breakage.
 
It is also possible to synchronize backups with a distant server and add additional modules (e.g. VPN).
 

4. Budget

Number of PCs	Up to 5	Up to  10	Up to 20
Price of soft. pack	1 500,00 E	1 700,00 E	1 900,00 E
Contract n1*	100,00 E	150,00 E	200,00 E
Contract n2*	175,00 E	250,00 E	350,00 E

* monthly
 
We can also provide global financing, rental or leasing. Some of these solutions do not arm your balance sheet or your debt ratio.
 

5. Benefits

• Integration.
• Enhanced security through the use of a Linux environment.
• Management of all Web applications (mail, Internet, instant messaging).
• Secured environment, thanks to the constant use of encryption.
• Detailed statistics on Web access history.
• Full system backup or recovery in less than 15 minutes.
• Instant user file recovery in just a few clicks, up to 30 days after loss or damage.
• Total management of the server via the web interface.
• Consistent services portfolio.