Nitix

Nitix (properly pronounced /nitiks/) is a retail Linux distribution, produced in Canada. The software is developed by [http://net-itech.com 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.

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 stated that Net Integration Technologies is the only company who is delivering on autonomic computing today:

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 Application Edition was released, which allowed for the hosting of applications on its system. The architechture for the application services on Nitix allowed for applications to run in a virutal server environment, completely seperated 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 centrallized user management across multiple servers, as well as DNS propogation.

While Nitix is not a free Linux distribution, you can download a free 30 day trial from [http://nitix.com/tryit their website].

=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 Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server, finds its gateway and internet access, and automatically configures its firewall (networking). 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 setup users, teams, and file access; email, collaboration through ExchangeIt!, antivirus and antispam; web sites, FTP and rsync services, Network File System, 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.

Nitix includes many open source applications that provide a lot of its functionality. Nitix also provides many upstream updates to these open source systems, and contributes to the open source community through its [http://open.nit.ca Open source website].

=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 compact disk, and are geared towards partners that complement their own third party hardware systems with Nitix. The differences between these are the number of CALs 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. VARs 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 [http://nitix.com/tryit Nitix website].

=See also=

*List of Linux distributions *Comparison of Linux distributions

=References=

*[http://www.nitix.com Nitix public website] *[http://open.nit.ca Nitix open source website] *[http://sorrybill.com Sorry Bill promotional website, history of Nitix]

=External links=

*[http://www.nitix.com Nitix public website] *[http://open.nit.ca Nitix open source website] *[http://nitix.com/trynitix Nitix download site] *