Samba is a set of source code that includes Common Internet File System (CIFS) technology to provide PC to UNIX file and print services. Samba is not a product per se, but is public GNU "freeware." It is available on an "as-is" basis with no warranty of any kind. Here is a general Samba and FacetWin comparison. [Please see disclaimer below.].
| Samba was originally created in December 1991 by Andrew Tridgell, a
Ph.D. student at the Australian National University. Tridgell has since remained the
primary architect, but many other people have contributed to the Samba code base. In 1993
Samba incorporated the Microsoft CIFS/SMB protocol.
While binaries are available on the Internet and are included with some versions of Linux, many users download the source code and compile their own with their favorite configuration options. Due to the number of people submitting software changes, and the lack of a coherent long term software development plan, Samba has evolved into a relatively complex entity, with more options than most administrators can reasonably manage. |
FacetWin was developed by FacetCorp
as an all-in-one Windows to UNIX software integration solution ... but priced like a
single feature product. FacetWin was developed with
a coherent product design, without the extraneous and uncontrolled software evolution typical
of GNU software. As a result, FacetWin is easier to install, configure and
administer. Like Samba, it includes a CIFS/SMB server to perform
transparent file and print services. However, FacetWin includes some
additional features as well as the world's best technical support.
FacetWin is available directly from authorized distribution channels throughout the world as a fully documented and supported product. FacetWin was created by a company with an award winning history developing UNIX-based productivity solutions, and over 20 years in the software business. |
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| No centralized programming and quality standards. | FacetCorp has been in the software business for over 20 years and has developed rigorous testing and software release processes which result in reliable software products of the highest possible quality. | |
| None.
The only true source for technical support comes from informal email correspondence and Internet news groups. There are consultants on the market who will sell customers technical support for Samba, but their support is really limited to the availability of the informal support mechanisms mentioned above. And this support approach begs the question of what happens when a key contributor takes a vacation ... or perhaps takes an extended travel tour ... or decides to make a career change.... |
World-Class.
FacetWin is completely backed and supported by FacetCorp. FacetCorp's technical support is highly respected in the industry and is available via telephone (800#), fax, email or World Wide Web "Knowledge Base" to answer any customer or prospective customer questions at no charge. See Customer Feedback for some customer comments about FacetCorp's technical support. |
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("You get what you pay for.") |
Disclaimer: This document is provided only as an informational service to our partners. FacetCorp does not make any general distributions of this document. FacetCorp has not done a thorough competitive analysis of Samba. What is provided is high level information only, more or less at the advertised feature level. This document may contain errors. If this contains errors, please let us know and we will correct them. However, FacetCorp cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies in this document.