Small Business Suites Made Simple

Collax Inc. is trying to make its mark in the small business market. The company, which makes a Linux-based alternative to Microsoft Small Business Server, has launched a channel partner program that includes special incentives for VARs. But there’s a catch: Partners need to sign up by Oct. 31 in order to receive rebates beyond normal product discounts.

The market for small business server suites is getting pretty crowded. It just proves that customers and VARs are frustrated with Microsoft Small Business Server’s complexity and cost. A one-year, 10-user subscription for Collax Business Server costs $495. I wish I could give you an apples-to-apples comparison with Microsoft, but Redmond’s pricing is, well, far too complex for the average small business owner to figure out.