Supported Platforms

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We support an extremely wide range of different hardware and software from many different vendors, and try to remain as vendor neutral as possible. That said, we do have distinct preferences for technologies that have served our clients and ourselves well in the past, and are well engineered.

Generally, we recommend that people start by selecting the application software they want to run before picking a platform to run it on. For example, if a line of business or vertical market application is only available for a specific platform, or runs much better on one platform rather than another, it makes sense to use that platform. That said, we’ve frequently developed cost effective solutions involving thin clients, remote desktop, and virtualization that can help cross the platform divide.

We highly recommend that our clients run either the current version of system software, or a past version that still receives support and security patches from the software vendor. Attempting to keep obsolete operating systems running is problematic from a security and support perspective.

Operating System Software

OS X

We are are the most certified Apple OS X consultants in the state of Arizona.

We support and are certified on OS X Server, which can provide a variety of services to clients on an office network.

We offer this support only on Apple hardware, as per Apple’s licensing agreements.

iOS

We support iOS on iPhone, iPad and AppleTV platforms, both as standalone and MDM deployed solutions.

Windows

In cases where Microsoft Windows is the best choice, we support Windows client and server platforms, deployment of Active Directory and Microsoft Exchange, and do cross platform integrations as needed.

Linux

We’re long time Linux users, across a variety of hardware platforms.

We generally prefer Debian, or CentOS, frequently used as a host for websites and other services, as well as for thin client deployments.

We’re certified with the Linux Professional Institute, and also are Ubuntu Certified Professionals.

OpenBSD

We frequently use and recommend OpenBSD as a firewall and network services platform, frequently on embedded or server hardware. OpenBSD has a much better than average security and reliability record, which is appreciated in critical service areas.

OpenWRT

Nearly all the wireless routers we recommend are outfitted with OpenWRT, replacing the manufacturer’s firmware.

OpenWRT provides an ongoing upgrade path for these devices, takes security and bufferbloat issues seriously, and is more flexible and administration friendly than other open source router firmware.

Hardware Vendors

Desktop and Laptop hardware

We like Apple desktops and laptops - in the majority of cases its class leading premium hardware avoids the compromised nature of cheaper hardware, leading to a longer lifespan and fewer issues over time.

Dell makes decent gear and is well documented from a service and support perspective, as long as the business class Optiplex, XPS, or Latitude lines are used.

On rare occasion we’ll build a computer from parts, when there’s a distinct reason to do so, such as the need for an unusual form factor or exotic hardware support.

Server hardware

We generally prefer Supermicro or Dell hardware for server use, as both are well documented and supported by software vendors.

Embedded and networking hardware

For networking gear, HP’s price points and warranties are quite good. We sometimes use Mikrotik equipment as well.

For wireless routers, we generally prefer Atheros chipset based devices, as they are well supported by OpenWRT.

Historical and other platforms

In the past we’ve supported or integrated the following platforms. If you need help with one of these (hopefully just moving your data to something that’s current!), let us know and we may be able to help: