“ClearOS is a next-generation Linux server operating
distribution for the small organizations and distributed environments. The
ClearOS Linux distribution has an installed-base of over 120,000 systems that
serve approximately 1.2 Million users. It is available in over 20 languages and
is utilized in more than 122 countries around the globe. Historically known as ClarkConnect, ClearOS has been made open and free by
ClearFoundation, including software such as MultiWAN which allows multiple,
balanced Internet connections. Other limitations and commercial restrictions on
the ClearOS platform have also been removed for this version and all subsequent
versions. The ClearOS Operating System tightly integrates dozens of leading open
source applications in a single management interface. The distribution is free
to download and use and redistribution is encouraged.” The new version of ClearOS can be read about more, tested using an online live demo, and downloaded at the ClearFoundation website.
I’ve used the community edition of Clark Connect in a few test environments and found it to be a great tool. Robust yet intuitive, I was genuinely impressed. Here’s to hoping this change builds on the great work they’ve already done.
http://www.clearfoundation.com/Software/roadmap.html
looks like they have a clear plan. I really liked Clark Connect, here’s hoping ClearOS keeps the momentum going.
So what is the point of this announcement?
This is a great move. I remember using ClarkConnect in ’02 or ’03 and it’s performance and ease of use was outstanding.
I’ve never had the chance to test ClarkConnect myself, I’ve always used SME Server, which is very similar, and a very good Small Business Server (Heck it’s even handled large installs I’ve done with ease).
So to have ClarkConnect go open, is great news, another one to check out. Especially if they’re keeping the features.
…have been very useful tools for me over the past eight or nine years, but like Finchy I’ve mainly used SME – installed a new server with it only a fortnight ago. Now that Clark is fully open and free it may factor more for me. All around very good news though…
I’ve been using ClarkConnect community edition for over 2 years as a router and filtering web proxy among other things. I switched from IPCop at the time. It’s really good and low maintenance and offers a lot of features out of the box.
A few months ago, the PIII box I had running CC died. I pulled the hard drive out and put it in a completely different system and it worked right away. All I had to do was reconfigure the network adapters.
All I’m missing at this point is AD integration.