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Ada Bridge Systems - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions





What is an "IT appliance"?

Simply put, this is a pre-configured server that performs some IT function, such as providing secure file storage, serving web pages, performing system monitoring, managing data in a database or providing secure access to system resources. Ada Bridge Systems appliances come with an optimized Linux operating system as the base with open source applications installed and configured on top of that. These appliances can be delivered on physical server hardware or in the form of a VMWare image.


Why Ada Bridge Systems?

When you purchase an IT appliance from Ada Bridge Systems it comes pre-packaged and ready to run within your infrastructure with minimal additional fuss. And all appliances come with one year of renewable support. We welcome the opportunity to discuss with you how we can help make your infrastructure more responsive to the needs of your enterprise.


What is VMWare/virtualization?

Virtualization allows multiple virtual servers to run on a single hardware platform. VMWare is the leading virtualization product in the industry and is remarkably bullet-proof. With virtualization, system loads can be more optimally distributed resulting in reduced hardware costs and increased reliability.


Can I get an appliance as VMWare image?

Absolutely! If you already have a VMWare host and would like to run these appliances there then you'll want to order a virtual appliance. Because you provide your own hardware the appliance cost is reduced.


What is open source?

From the Open Source Initiative website:

Open source is a development method for software that harnesses the power of distributed peer review and transparency of process. The promise of open source is better quality, higher reliability, more flexibility, lower cost, and an end to predatory vendor lock-in.

A couple of examples of open source systems are Linux and HTTP Apache, the later being the most popular web server in use across the World Wide Web today, topping any package that could be purchased from a commercial vendor.


What is Linux?

Linux is a general purpose computer operating system similar to UNIX but is freely distributed. From the Linux.org website:

Apart from the fact that it's freely distributed, Linux's functionality, adaptability and robustness, has made it the main alternative for proprietary Unix and Microsoft operating systems. IBM, Hewlett-Packard and other giants of the computing world have embraced Linux and support its ongoing development.

Because of it's inherent robustness and wide support, we have based our company on solutions that run on Linux.


Where do I get the source code and other downloads?

Here's the download link for the packages included in the various IT appliances available from Ada Bridge Systems.


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