Networking has always been the simple solution for sharing resources, but implementing a network has never really been an easy task. Linux-Mandrake Corporate Server claims to solve that problem by offering "a complete enterprise solution... [that] includes everything you need to rapidly deploy world-class Linux server applications in the enterprise." But does Mandrake Corporate Server deliver? After a week with the product we can give it a resounding "yes, maybe."
Large but not unwieldy
The first real hurdle for Corporate Server is the download. The package is offered for download as ISO CD image files--484MB for the installation disc and 647MB for the second disc. You'll also need a CD burner and software to write the images to CD.
Installing Corporate Server is one of the best autopilot experiences you're likely to have. MandrakeSoft has created a credible GUI installer that relegates almost every input choice to point and click selection--the only exceptions are user IDs and passwords. Tips are even provided at the bottom of the screen, although they're only context-sensitive when you're running a custom install.
Hardware conflicts
We were sailing along through the installation when we ran afoul of Mandrake's network interface card support--or rather, lack thereof. An option box appeared, indicating that Corporate Server did not recognize our LinkSys LNE100TX, a popular and inexpensive consumer grade NIC. The list of alternate possibilities it provided was extensive but contained no LinkSys products.
To rectify this, we trolled the Linux-Mandrake Supported Hardware database but, while LinkSys was listed among the manufacturers, we could find no product data available. We also looked for NetGear, another popular consumer NIC supplier, and ran into the same vacant list. There were several 3Com NICs listed on the database. The only acceptable PCI version wasn't available locally. We ordered a pair over the Internet and, after a few days' delay, were back to the installation, zipping through to the end.
Missing support and documentation
After rebooting, we were surprised to find that Corporate Server uses the KDE 1.1.2 desktop exclusively. (This is just mentioned in passing as a favor to die-hard GNOME users; it has no effect on the network setup facilities.) What is disconcerting is that there doesn't appear to be any documentation available. When we clicked the desktop icon labeled “DOCS" we were told that no file exists. In theory, Corporate Server includes 30 days of phone and e-mail support. We e-mailed a plea for help and are still waiting for a reply.
The problem is that the bulk of Corporate Server's configuration facilities are aimed at putting your network on the Internet. In doing so, MandrakeSoft has minimalized the basic network configuration to the point of near obscurity. DrakeConf, Webmin, and WizDrake all have a hand in the total process, but there appear to be duplicate functions available within each of these facilities, and little indication as to whether or not they need to be run in any particular order (or whether they'll conflict should you do so).
On several occasions, one or another of these configuration apps encountered an error when trying to run a process, informed us of it, gave us the option to skip the process, and then left the command running in the background nonetheless. There was no error or action dialog to indicate what was happening, and the only way we discovered what was going on was when we found ourselves unable to run any other configuration program and checked the log files.
Final success
Working without documentation and support, we muddled through on our own, performed several frustrating reinstallations and countless system restarts--an entire day full of trial and mainly error. But at the end of the day we did have a network running, and we could have set up the online services and taken it live at that point. In hindsight, if we'd had access to even the most rudimentary "Do this, do this, then do that" type of documentation, we probably could have accomplished the same thing in less than an hour.
Does this mean you should steer clear of Corporate Server? Not really. MandrakeSoft has done an excellent job of providing the tools needed to create an enterprise network. Corporate Server's only real failing, in our opinion, is that it does not provide any indication of how those tools should be used. Even if our less-than-optimal experience with MandrakeSoft's basic technical support was out of the ordinary, we'd certainly suggest that you investigate the company's optional pay-for-support plans before you start. You'd also be well advised to spend some time with the Linux-Mandrake Supported Hardware database to check component compatibility issues.
