This is a new project for us. For years we have searched for a useable groupware project. Zimbra uses a similar business model to Untangle. There is an open source version and a paid / supported version.

We have just finished testing and may have a 5+ site roll-out scheduled in two weeks. Update: Project was given to Google. Client's management overrode their own IT department. Stay tuned...

If you are looking at a viable replacement for Microsoft Exchange, Novell Groupwise or IBM Domino Server, you may want to take a look at what Zimbra has to offer.

I need to quickly mention that Zimbra also offers email archiving for those entities that have to meet applicable regulatory requirements.

Tags: Email, Calendar, Groupware, Spam FIlter, Anti-Virus, Document Management, Instant Messenger, Archiving, Open Source

I thought I would do a quickie write-up on the Untangle project. I have ben using his wonderful product for over two years now and I am still just as pleased with it as the day I started.

A Brief History

Back in 2008 I ran into a brick wall. Netgear Prosafe routers were being managed by a bunch of monkeys with broken typewriters. Buggy firmware, unusable VPN, slow speed. My Sonicwall clients were suffering the same fate, with the added insult of having to pay annual "Service Fees" for the privilege.

Frankly I was so upset, I could not see straight. Phone calls to the manufacturers were totally unproductive despite my being level-headed in the matter. They just did not care.

After about a week of research, I came across the Untangle project. It exceeded all of my client needs and has ben a rock-solid platform. So far there is 10+ units deployed with varying amounts of client participation in their management.

The Down Side

Untangle is too good. My router / firewall call-outs have tanked. The service van spends more time in the driveway than on client sites. (Note GoToExpress posting). Now I have more time to keep my forensic and security skills up.

Tags: Router, Firewall, Web Filter, Open Source

Yippie! The Steam platform for OS X was released today. Visit steampowered.com to get the free client download and a free copy of Portal.

Booooo! They only have one game available for now. Steam announced that they will be releasing new games, patches and updates on Wednesdays.

Tags: OSX Games, Gaming Platform, Counter Strike, Valve Software

Well... The local SBA office got back to me. They can't help. Despite my objections to not being able to fully participate in the government SBA program without a current security clearance.

In my field, 100% of the opportunities with government contracting have required a clearance. I also have a Navy buddy just starting his own business that is in the same boat. I refuse to believe that I am the only business that has experienced this fiasco.

So, the next time you hear the bureaucrats saying that they have done such and such to help veterans and small business, realize that 1/2 of the allotted money goes into administration and the other half does not get allocated to its intended audience. I am not asking for a grant, loan or special treatment, I just want a fair shot in the Government procurement program.

I have a complaint registered with the Abudsman's Office clearly stating this issue. Not much hope there, just an automated response to the form I filled out on line on their site.

Tags: SBA, Small Business Administration, Security Cleanance, Adudsman,