Nitix (properly pronounced /nitiks/) is a retail Linux distribution,
produced in Canada. The software is developed by Net Integration Technologies, Inc.
History
Nitix, originally named Weaver was first created in September 1997 as a Linux-based server that required little to no configuration. Primarily built into pre-configured hardware
platforms named Net Integrators, Nitix first became a standalone Network Operating System capable of deployment on third-party
hardware in January 2004. Original programming of the first versions of Weaver were done primarily
by Avery Pennarun and Dave Coombs, while students of the University of
Waterloo.
| Major Versions |
| 1.0 |
- September 1997 |
| 2.0 |
- January 1999 |
| 3.5 |
- August 2000 |
| 4.0 |
- December 2004 |
| 4.1 |
- February 2005 |
| 4.2 |
- May 2005 |
| 4.3 |
- December 2005 |
| 4.3.1 |
- February 2006 |
| 4.3.2 |
- September 2006 |
| 4.4.0a |
- March 2007 |
Nitix has claimed that it is the only Linux-based OS that has autonomic features. In June 2004, IBM Press' released a new book
"Autonomic Computing," which mentions Nitix:
"Nitix is one of the first companies to deliver on the promise of autonomic technology with a complete set of intelligent
networking solutions for the SMB Market."
In June 2005, Nitix Virtual Server was released, which allowed for the hosting of applications
on its system. The architecture for the application services on Nitix allowed for applications to run in a virtual server
environment, completely separated from the controlled OS environment. The Virtual Server is an RPM based filesystem which
incorporates yum as an application retrieval tool. Simultaneously Net
Integration Technologies began sponsoring a "Ready For Nitix" program that encouraged independent software vendors to certify
applications under Nitix. Also in June 2005, Nitix began to support NS3 (Scalable Services
Structure), which allows for the centralized user management across multiple servers, as well as DNS propagation.
In March 2006, NitixBlue was released as a new "flavor" of Nitix. NitixBlue supports the nearly
hands-free installation of IBM Lotus Domino, touting no administrative headaches and complete automation of maintenance tasks.
This is considered to be a large step for small and medium businesses, which previously did not have a realistic stepping stone
towards enterprise-level functionality provided by IBM Lotus Domino.
Features
Nitix includes an automated installation process in which it installs itself onto the hard disks, performs the proper
partitioning and system setup. During this process it also performs a network scan, where it determines whether or not it should
enable its DHCP server, finds its gateway and internet access, and automatically configures its firewall. For modifications to the installation process, a keyboard and monitor can be attached to
the server and changes can be made on the console. Further modifications can be made through the web interface.
The web interface is designed such that no other access is needed for configuration modifications in most cases. From this
interface, you can set up users, teams, and file access; email, collaboration through
ExchangeIt!, antivirus and antispam; web sites, FTP and
rsync services, NFS, Samba, AppleTalk; and more.
Nitix's claim to fame is its proprietary Intelligent Disk Backup (idb) that automatically backs up files, emails and databases
incrementally as often as every 15 minutes. Backups are made to a hard drive located in the system that can be rotated to provide
off-site redundancy. Restoring files can be done individually, by user or by entire system through its web-based interface. (
U.S. Patent No. 7,165,154 )
Nitix includes many open source applications that provide a lot of its functionality.
Versions
Nitix is currently sold through a distribution channel as either software-only, or on a Net Integrator. Software-only versions
are "Nitix SB", "Nitix SE", and "Nitix PE", which come on 1 CD, and are geared towards
partners that complement their own third party hardware systems with Nitix. The differences between these are the number of
Client Access Licenses included, and software assurance prices. Nitix can also be pre-configured on
hardware systems named "Micro", "Micro 2", "Mark I" and "Mark II". Hardware selection depends on number of hard drives and form
factor.
Distribution
Nitix is distributed through a partner-only channel distribution. Value added
resellers can purchase Nitix and resell it to end users as part of their complete solution, usually involving other IT
services or custom made applications. A trial version of Nitix, which is fully functional but limited to 30 day usage, is
available to end users or developers through the Nitix
website.
References
External links
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