samba - Dec 2006 - howto "upgrade/transfer" samba domain-user + domain-group data to a new windows 2003 active directory domain?

I much regret in many ways having to ask this question below. But our
business needs now demand more than we think we can deliver using open
source software exclusively.

What is the best way to 'suck up' all of the domain group and user
data from a current samba 3.0.21a PDC into a microsoft windows 2003
server?

We have two basic needs that demand we now introduce active directory
servers to our previously 'windows server free' office. One we want to
manage the windows xp sp2 desktops using group policies and secondly
we have a need to start using shared calendaring.

Alternatively, I would also welcome any suggestions that would allow
us to use microsoft outlook shared calendaring and enable us to manage
the windows xp workstations using group  policies, using any other
configuration, preferably open source of course. ;-)

Many thanks in advance for any hints or suggestions.

PS: Please note there is _no_ active directory already deployed. All
of the user and group info is currently on our samba 3.0.21a PDC
running on a CentOs 4.x box.

-- 
Urs Rau

Urs Rau wrote:
> We have two basic needs that demand we now introduce active directory
> servers to our previously 'windows server free' office. One we want
to
> manage the windows xp sp2 desktops using group policies and secondly
> we have a need to start using shared calendaring.
> 
> Alternatively, I would also welcome any suggestions that would allow
> us to use microsoft outlook shared calendaring and enable us to manage
> the windows xp workstations using group  policies, using any other
> configuration, preferably open source of course. ;-)
Group Policy Management in Samba:

http://samba.org/samba/docs/man/Samba-HOWTO-Collection/PolicyMgmt.html

On Wednesday 06 December 2006 16:46, Urs Rau wrote:
> Alternatively, I would also welcome any suggestions that would allow
> us to use microsoft outlook shared calendaring
Not "microsoft outlook shared calendaring" but "shared
calendaring"
nonetheless:
http://www.google.com/calendar/

If you really want "microsoft outlook shared calendaring" then you
need
Exchange Server as well, and you get vendor lock-in at no extra charge.

Chris

Urs Rau wrote:
> Alternatively, I would also welcome any suggestions that would allow
> us to use microsoft outlook shared calendaring and enable us to manage
> the windows xp workstations using group  policies, using any other
> configuration, preferably open source of course. ;-)
> 
Hi,

Group policies for samba:

http://www.nitrobit.com/grouppolicy.html

We are using zarafa (http://www.zarafa.com) as Exchange replacement, but we
still work with Outlook. Install is easy with LDAP (and also AD) support and
MySQL as datastorage. Blends in with any MTA (we are using postfix), webmail
through apache and php. Also supports pop3/imap.  Support has been great for us
and feature list goes up quick. Ymmv however.

Both are commercial offerings though, still they are a lot more affordable than
ms's. Additionaly they do not depend on active directory leaving your
current infrastructure in place.

Regards,

Bolke