eBox and Warp Networks

I met Ignacio Correas, CEO of Warp Networks (Spain), at the Open Source Business Conference last Spring. This is when I first heard about Warp Networks and the eBox platform. Warp Networks is a consultancy in Zaragoza, Spain, founded by some of Spain's more active open source developers from the Debian, Ubuntu, Gnome and MySQL projects.

eBox is an open source software project Warp Networks began. It allows one to easily install, configure, and manage a small enterprise server, for all the services one would need in a small and growing enterprise: VoIP, email (with integrated antispam and antivirus services), file sharing, etc. The community has been steadily building around eBox to the point that it will likely be the Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon server configuration platform.

Ignacio is in the process of developing a separate company around the eBox platform and has begun funding discussions. Mikko Puhakka, Timo Teimonen, and I have all been invited to serve as directors prior to the commercial launch. eBox presents some great opportunities for a business based on open source software. (When you stop and think about it, it fills a very special niche.) I'm extremely happy to be on board! I'll certainly keep people posted as the business unfolds.

Comments

[maconulaff]

I understand the excitement and interest from Ubuntu in eBox, but I don't understand eBox's interest in Ubuntu. Although it is based on Debian, Ubuntu has often traded the stability of Debian for more cutting edge features. Of the features and services offered by the eBox, where is the need for cutting edge greater than the need for stability?

I like and use Ubuntu for desktop machines. But I have been burned time and time again by Ubuntu in updates and upgrades that break systems and require complete reinstalls. I have not experienced the same with Debian. When it comes to servers, I won't trust my clients' or my data to Ubuntu as a server until they can demonstrate the stability that Debian is known for. It will be a shame to leave eBox, but if the move to an Ubuntu based happens and support of a pure Debian base is abandoned, I will have to move elsewhere.