Server-Centric vs. Distributed

[Anonymous]

OK, it’s been about a year and a half since the last post on this discussion. Are there admins out there running networks using Network Home Directories successfully/efficiently?

We have 80 users on our distributed network and a year ago I setup a Master eMac with all 80 accounts and cloned it to the other computers. All well and good until a new employee is added and they can only log into their own account on one computer. Plus other modifications to an account on one computer need to be carried over to the other 80 or I end up getting alot of phone calls.

I think a Server-centric configuration makes alot of sense but needing to switch to Apple Mail is preventing me from pulling the trigger. (Note: several of our users have Entourage databases over 2GB in size and growing).

Recent building repairs to specific offices have displaced many users into other offices temporarily where their email, server connections, and Dock icons are not configured. A Server-centric network would have prevented this.

Are you using Network Home Directories? If so, what email app are you using? What downsides have you experienced with NHDs?