[Samba] Re: Large (3000+ users) NT to Samba migration

[Jim]

What is the platform (i.e. what distrobution of Linux)?

> A client of mine is seriously investigating migrating their 7 NT servers and
> 3000+ users to Linux running Samba.
> I've read one or two documents so far about the migration, but I'm still a
> little unclear about a number of things.
> 
> When you have a chance I'd really appreciate your guidance on the following
> items.
> 1.) LDAP, /etc/passwd or MySQL backend (if supported).

The standard backend should be ldbm.  I would reccomend sticking with it 
unless you have specific needs that dictate otherwise.  Custom front 
ends can be written using Java.

> 2.) User/machine account migration utilities.

There is a script package called smbldap-tools that might contain a 
script for this.  These days it is usually packaged with the server and 
is usually found in '/usr/local/samba/scripts'.  slapcat is another 
alternative although I am uncertain as how to go about using it on a 
remote M$ system.

> 3.) Front-ends for adding user/machine accounts.

There is a script for it in smbldap-tools.  Would probably be quite easy 
to rig up a secured web page as a front end for it.  There is also such 
tools as 'directory_administrator', gq, and I believe Mandrake's 
UserDrake also will access an LDAP directory.

> 4.) Configuration of BDC(s).

That is out of my area.

> Or any links to the information would be great.
> 
> Many thanks and kind regards.
> 
> David Wilson
> DcData/LinuxBox S.A.
> +27 83 787 7424
> ICQ#: 114636368
> http://www.dcdata.co.za
> http://www.linuxbox.co.za