Centeris Open Source's Part of Linux Server Management App

BELLEVUE, Wash. – Centeris has announced a new open source project, Likewise Open Agent, that enables administration of Linux® servers from the Microsoft Management Console (MMC). MMC is a collection of administration tools included with the Microsoft Windows operating system. Likewise Open Agent will be available for download starting Nov. 18, 2005.

The Likewise Open Agent project will provide source code for Centeris technology that eases management of Linux servers in Windows networks. The source code will be released under the Common Development and Distribution License (CDDL) Version 1.0, which is an approved Open Source Initiative (OSI) license. Companies can implement Likewise Open Agent to perform day-to-day administration of Linux servers from MMC, including viewing system events, configuring file and print sharing, starting/stopping system services, and monitoring system performance metrics.

The source code for Likewise Open Agent will be available on SourceForge.net, allowing developers to customize and extend the project's functionality. Click for additional information, or to join a Likewise Open Agent mailing list.

"Linux has seen tremendous growth, especially in the datacenter," said Scott Kveton, director of Oregon State University's Open Source Lab. "We believe the next critical issue confronting both the Linux and Windows communities is better integration and management of the two platforms. Centeris' approach is very unique and will help break down the barriers that exist between the platforms today."

Release of Centeris Likewise

Centeris released a beta version of its commercial software, Centeris Likewise Management Suite, in October, and the final product is scheduled for release in December 2005. Centeris Likewise Management Suite provides advanced server management tools that make it easy for midsized and large companies to manage Linux servers in a Windows network. In addition to enabling administrators to use MMC to manage Linux file and print servers, Centeris Likewise Management Suite supports Apache Web services, provides integration of Linux servers with Microsoft Active Directory and includes the Likewise Console to ease day-to-day management of Linux servers.

"Likewise Open Agent provides Linux server administration from Windows using MMC," said Barry Crist, Centeris CEO. "For many organizations running mixed Windows and Linux networks, this will provide tremendous value. For advanced server management capabilities, including integrating Linux servers with Microsoft Active Directory®, configuring Linux server roles, and managing Apache Web services, we offer our commercial product, Centeris Likewise Management Suite."