Samba lets a computer share files or manage print jobs like a Windows file server or print server. Like the Linux operating system on which it often runs, Samba is open-source software collaboratively developed by many people.
The new version 2.2 of Samba brings the software up to speed with Windows 2000 changes and adds several other improvements. Jeremy Allison, one of the lead Samba programmers, calls it a "major update" that will help Samba systems slip more smoothly into Microsoft networks.
The software offers cost savings not only because customers don't have to pay for the server operating system, but also because they don't have to pay "client" license fees for all the computers that use the server.
And Microsoft appears to be feeling the pressure. The company has been aggressively pushing a version of Windows 2000 that computer makers may customize for jobs such as file and print servers, luring big names such as Dell Computer, Compaq Computer and Maxtor to ship these "Windows-powered" products.
One major change for Microsoft--indeed, a first, according to Maxtor--was the elimination of client access fees for a Windows special-purpose file server. That change means that as with Samba systems, any number of computers may use files on the server without paying Microsoft.
"Microsoft is certainly coming to understand that if they're going to provide software for the world of server appliances...it has to be competitive with other appliance environments," said IDC analyst Dan Kusnetzky.
License fees are a major pain for corporations, Kusnetzky said. In addition to paying the fees, companies must pay administrators to make sure all needed licenses are obtained and that auditors are satisfied that no one is shirking requirements.
"People believe Microsoft's method of licensing...is very complex," Kusnetzky said.
Microsoft representatives were not immediately available for comment.
While Microsoft has lured several companies to its operating system for special-purpose file and print server "appliances," Samba also has commercial appeal. Hewlett-Packard is using Samba for a print server appliance.
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