samba4WINS: cooperation creates free software innovation

                                                 Goettingen, January 30th 2006

Samba4WINS: cooperation creates free software innovation
========================================================

Initiated by SerNet and sponsored by Computacenter, Fujitsu Siemens
Computers (FSC) and LiSoG e.V. it became possible to develop a free
software needed by many users: the replicating WINS server - samba4WINS.
Due to this solution WINS server running with Windows in a lot of
environments can be migrated to Linux. 

The urgent need to solve customer problems at the project partners
Computacenter and FSC in October 2005 urged the plan to develop a new
concept for WINS server within the Samba4-project.
Until now Samba3 offers the possibility to start a WINS server but 
it cannot synchronize in a ring with other WINS servers, an ability that
is requested in many complex networks. 
Even after complete migration to Linux/Unix/Samba Windows servers are
still inevitable in those networks. This remarkable cost factor will be
abolished with samba4WINS.

SerNet staff member Stefan Metzmacher coded the solution as an autonomous
server process within the Samba4 frame work. This WINS server will
seamlessly evolve during future Samba4 development.It can be installed in
parallel to Samba 3 servers with version 3.0.21 and higher.

samba4WINS will be published with sources and binary packages for
SLES9 (Suse Linux Enterprise Server), RHEL4 (Red Hat Enterprise Linux)
and Debian SARGE the beginning of February 2006. Please refer to
http://EnterpriseSamba.org.

about Samba
----------
Samba is an Open Source/Free Software suite that provides seamless file
and print services to SMB/CIFS clients. Samba is freely available under
the GNU General Public License, see http://www.samba.org.

about Computacenter
------------------
Computacenter is Europe's leading independent provider of IT infrastructure
services. To help our customers maximize the value of IT to their
businesses, we offer services at every stage of infrastructure investment.
For more information please visit http://www.computacenter.com.

about Fujitsu Siemens Computers
------------------------------
Serving the needs of large corporations, small and mid-sized enterprises,
and consumers, Fujitsu Siemens Computers operates in all key markets across
Europe, the Middle East and Africa. We deliver a unique selection of
world-class computing technology and innovative IT infrastructure
solutions. See http://www.fujitsu-siemens.com.

about LiSoG e.V.
---------------
Die Linux Solutions Group e.V. (LiSoG) has been founded in March 2005 and
promotes Linux based business. Please refer to http://www.lisog.org.

about SerNet
-----------
SerNet is the leading Samba supporter, see http://www.sernet.com