Advantages

• Requires less powerful (cheaper) hardware than a Microsoft Windows server.
• The software running the server is free.
• No client licensing costs.
• Open source standards (opensource.org).
• Scalable solution; can be deployed to branch offices with a few users or a head office with hundreds of users.
• Interoperable with Microsoft Windows; can be deployed into an existing Microsoft Windows environment.

Provides

• Centralised file storage.
• User and group-based security.
• Email server with integrated webmail system.
• Virus scanning of emails with free updates.
• Protection against accidental file deletion (Recycle Bins).
• LDAP Centralised Authentication; integrate your printers and other LDAP-compliant devices.
• Web server for local intranet or a web development platform.
• Time server; synchronise the clocks of all the computers at a site.
• Local network managment (DHCP, DNS, WINS, and SNMP).
• Database server (MySQL)
• Multiple backup methods; Tape drive, USB disks, FTP backups, rsync to another host, local archiving.
• Reporting tools; backup reports, bandwidth usage, mail reports, daily usage, security warnings.
• Security tools; Protect the server against Root kits, viruses, and hack attempts.
• Monitoring tools; Monitor critical parts of the server and respond to problems when required.
• Syslog server; Have the logs of all your network devices stored in one place.
• NTFS support; Although based on Linux it can still use the standard Microsoft file system.
• UPS monitoring.