philpense wrote:

I write to inquire if there is a 'Linux' Project management server or an open source equivalent to the Microsoft Server. New to Linux and would appreciate an informed opinion.

The short answer is a resounding YES.

The Linux Operating System is extremely mature and reliable platform for myriad server scenarios. Can you provide more details about what is required of a "Project management server"? What exactly do you need/want to do? Once that is known, the ideal Linux distribution, and package suite, could be suggested.

Here is a quick run-down of functionality common to many businesses that you can expect from virtually any Linux server:

(Secure) Web Server
(Secure) FTP Server
Windows-compatible File/Print Server
Mail Server
CVS Server
Database Server
User Administration

The list goes on and on...

philpense wrote:

Much thanks for your timely reply. I am a Microsoft Certified systems administrator with some clients that have issues with Microsoft or at least its leadership. They want no Microsoft products in their office.

These are my kinda people.

I would want a project server software that can be virtualized and support five simultaneous users. It should also have the ability to connect with Microsoft's project management client software such as 'Project Professional 2003" Much thanks for your continued guidance

I don't know of any software in Linux that will allow you to integrate directly with MS Project. You could run MS Project itself with in Linux using WINE, but I have no idea how well that works. Also, you would still be coughing up for Project.

As to free alternatives to Project - there are several alternatives. Here are 3 that I know of, I am sure there are more:

http://openproj.org/openproj

Windows/Java only
http://www.osalt.com/project

http://www.ganttproject.biz/