competing with exchange (and losing)

[Eberhard Roloff]

On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:25:23 -0400
"Eric S. Johansson" <esj at harvee.org> wrote:

> I had a customer using a Linux based e-mail solution when the
> issue of calendars, contact lists, and task lists came up.
> They also wanted the ability to connect with remote devices
> and connect to their VoIP switch as supplied by their VoIP
> vendor.  Can you tell they are using Outlook for the e-mail
> client? :-)
> 
> So they commissioned me to start a search of Linux based
> replacements for exchange.  after looking at a bunch of them,
> we tried out a couple (open exchange, and can't remember
> (sorry)).
> 
> The primary failing was that they couldn't provide the same 
> functionality as exchange.  Depending on the vendor, there
> were different limitations with regards to shared calendars,
> task lists, reminders, remote device synchronization, etc.
> Most of these systems use plug-ins which has their own
> shortcomings with regards to stability and cost of rollout and
> none of them integrated with the VoIP vendor[1].
> 
> so, I am disappointed but I must fully support my customer's
> decision to go to exchange.  The Linux exchange replacement
> market is far too fragmented and is in need of consolidation
> and funding.  I think it probably two vendors and at least $20
> million or $30 million each could get us to a viable exchange
> replacement in a couple of years.
> 
> the only reason I'm raising this now is because Microsoft has
> released a new version of exchange which is even easier to
> manage.  If you're using just e-mail, Linux is fine.  But as
> soon as you add all of the other features, open source
> solutions are literally years away from being business ready.
> 
> Just be aware and remember, it's not just about the e-mail.
> 
I fully agree. However, if people want exchange (features), they
should use exchange. Even within a microsoft world there is no
substitute for the "real thing" and of course, exchange
monoculture installations do also have certain disadvantages. ;-)

And:
You did not mention the great and absolutely seamless integration
of exchange into active directory. 

While Linux is indeed years away from a solution like this, I
strongly doubt that it makes sense to compete on a microsoft
level.

regards
Eberhard

> ---eric
> 
> 
> 
> [1] VoIP vendor was desktop to switch solution so asterisk is
> not an option.  They were willing to just pay money and get
> the job done.
> 
> 
> -- 
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> ubuntu-users at lists.ubuntu.com
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> 


-- 
Eberhard Roloff
roloff it-services  Midrange - Linux - VoIP 

Am Fronhof 51    53639 Königswinter
Tel.: 02244 877 878 3    Fax: 02244 90 32 52
mail:eberhard at roloff-it.de  www.roloff-it.de