Congratulations to the Samba Team on shipping Samba 4!
For those of you who don't know, Samba 4 not only includes the high quality file server solution that we have come to depend on for many years, but also an Active Directory** logon environment. Yes, you will be able to start replacing those Windows Active Directory servers with a Samba 4 implementation. For all the gory details, you can find the Samba 4 feature list here and in the release notes.
So, how does Samba 4's directory integrate with ClearOS? Well, ClearOS uses a driver model for the accounts system (users and groups). One of the steps that you see when you configure a ClearOS system is the account system driver selection as shown in the following screenshot:
Once selected, ClearOS will use the driver in its normal and native way. In the case of Samba 4, there's no synchronization going on between Samba's directory and other directories or user databases. When Samba 4 is running, all apps and services on ClearOS query Samba Directory directly. The current internal Samba Directory app has been tested with FTP, PPTP, Squid, SSH, and other apps and it all works great!
ClearOS Professional 6.4, which is expected to be released in the next few weeks, will include this new Samba Directory app. Please keep in mind, we are going to be cautious with the release of the app -- it will be beta until we figure out all the gotchas. Oh, you can expect a public preview in the next few days... stay tuned.
Home users don't need the complexity of a full blown directory: Kerberos, SIDs, Base DN, and all that other jargon should not appear anywhere in ClearOS Community Edition user interface. In home and small office environments, we are going to keep things as simple and slim as possible. Our plan is to release ClearOS Community with Samba 4 implemented just as it is right now -- as a solid and reliable file server.
** Trademark is the property of the respective owner. ClearCenter and ClearFoundation are not affiliated with Microsoft.
