I'm from a Windows background, and have recently migrated all my home computers across to Ubuntu with varying success. All bar one.

the one yet to be done is my Windows Home Server.

What it does is the following;

1. Central location for storage of data files that can be shared on a users internal LAN, and also with the option for Remote access.

2. Easy configuration of folders and user accounts on the Home server

3. Automated backup of client machines to the server

4. Runs headless (ie once installed, no keyboard, mouse or monitor required as most administrative tasks can be done either via the 'console' one any of the client machines, or via RDP

5. Instalation of a 'connector' onto each client, where you can access the console, set backups.

6. Installs a 'shared folders' icon where you automatically have access to the folders you have rights to

I'm fully aware this IS possible using Ubuntu, but I'm also aware that it involves a LOT of configuration of the different services on both the Server machine as well as EACH client.

Windows Home Server is based on Server 2003, and as part of the installation, disables certain parts which are not required (such as domain controller - is this required within the home ?), and sets the remaining configuration to the Home Server.

The main thing with it, is that it really does just work. Install via the cd/dvd, install the connector software, and thats it.

[....]

The goal of this idea is to make it possible that ubuntu server acts as a domain controller, with a central user database on which ubuntu clients can authenticate. The users data (home) resides on the server.
Any user can log in at any client and get to his/her personal account.

Although the technology for this already exists, it's quite a hassle to set-up. Furthermore, (which makes it close to impossible) there is no up-to-date complete documentation on this.

Although you might not directly need this technology for yourself (for your own home environment), you should understand that this technology is crucial for ubuntu adoption in small/large businesses. This technology is a must for corporate environments, to say the least.

File system whose size can be expanded by adding new system to the file system cluseter that has processor, RAM and the network.

Advantage is that as the file system size increases there is a increase in the speed

Ideally no limit on increasing the filesystem size

Can expand the file system without the fear of data loss

0 down time while expanding the file system

Many organisations, even if they are shifting over to an Ubuntu environment, will have many Windows PCs that need to be supported. Presently if you want to run a Windows Server Update Service (WSUS) you need to have a Windows Server (Microsoft). I believe being able to cache, test and deploy Windows Updates locally from the Ubuntu Update Server (Ubuntu Brainstorm) would be attractive to admins.

Many organisations, even if they are shifting over to an Ubuntu environment, may have a number of Apple computers that need to be supported. Presently if you want to run an Apple Software Update Server (Client Management, Mac OS X Server (Apple)) you need to have Apple's Mac OS X Server running on Apple hardware. I believe being able to cache, test and deploy Apple Software Updates locally from the Ubuntu Update Server (Ubuntu Brainstorm) would be attractive to admins.