Joomla+PHP+Apache+MySQL+CentOS replacement for SharePoint

Melbosa · April 05, 2016, 12:09:13 PM

So I have a client that is moving from SBS 2011 to Full AD/Exchange/File Server setup. And the last step was to find a replacement for SharePoint that didn't cost any money... well its taken me a better part of a week but now I have a full blown install of Joomla 3.5 + PHP 5.4 + Apache 2.4 + MySQL 5.5 on CentOS 7 that does just that. It full integrates with SSO through Active Directory and automatically registers new users based on Active Directory credentials (and with SSO without the users having to enter anything). Even works with Password Resets properly and does not save any credential data to the database.

All in all I am sure this is just a "that's nice" when you read this post, but I'm pretty proud of this myself.

Tom · April 05, 2016, 01:21:39 PM

Sounds like it was interesting to set up.

The (mediawiki) wiki I host integrates into a 3rd party (non standard) SSO api, and that has been interesting to say the least. Cant imagine having to integrate with AD.

Lazybones · April 05, 2016, 01:29:07 PM

Quote from: Melbosa on April 05, 2016, 12:09:13 PM
All in all I am sure this is just a "that's nice" when you read this post, but I'm pretty proud of this myself.

Actually I am more inclined to question why anyone would run this on prem anymore and also what aspects of SharePoint where being used.

I have seen SharePoint used for things it was never good at many times.

Melbosa · April 05, 2016, 01:43:59 PM

Client uses it for an Intranet Corporation Site. They use it for document management and internal website publishing. Joomla handles both very easily and the client is not willing to subscribe to o365 yet, so they have onprem Exchange still.

Sometimes, while I suggest forward movement, clients want what they want, and I have to come up with solutions. I tried a DotNetNuke solution first but most of the integration plugins were pay for, plus needed a windows license for the server.

Anyway, this works for the client and I'm just impressed with myself to getting it all working

Lazybones · April 05, 2016, 03:45:25 PM

Uggg. Especially if they have on prem Exchange Office 365 and Sites would probably have been a better way to go.

O well I guess more servers equals more maintenance for you to charge.

Mr. Analog · April 05, 2016, 04:24:19 PM

Agreed, sounds like a maintenance headache

a profitable headache, but a headache nonetheless

Lazybones · April 05, 2016, 04:37:04 PM

There are times where running your own is legitimately a better idea than going cloud, however for small business I can't imagine not going cloud for these types of services.

Starting from scratch today, a small business could have Native Azure AD, Windows 10 Joined to Azure AD, Hosted Exchange, Hosted SharePoint, Hosted Skype for business PBX and the full MS Desktop Office Suite for a very low annual cost and a VERY VERY high up-time. This makes it very easy to have a home / distributed office or simply make moving offices super easy since there is no infrastructure.

No VPNs needed for anything since everything would sync to the cloud!

Melbosa · April 05, 2016, 05:44:19 PM

Yep. I completely agree and try to sell as much. But not everyone is sold so easily.

But hey as said, more profit in my pocket.

Tom · April 05, 2016, 08:10:20 PM

You do have to consider your internet going down... If they have issues with that, a hosted solution isn't a great idea.

Lazybones · April 05, 2016, 11:43:54 PM

Quote from: Tom on April 05, 2016, 08:10:20 PM
You do have to consider your internet going down... If they have issues with that, a hosted solution isn't a great idea.

Having backup Internet on a 3G stick and a common router isn't hard these days.

Also a lot of businesses can't get any work done when the Internet is down anyway.