competing with exchange (and losing)

[Eric S. Johansson]

Henk Postma wrote:
> On 7/26/06, 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? :-)
> 
> Hi Eric,
> 
> I think you're a little too pessimistic. Groupware stuff is quite
> mature on linux. I haven't tried this myself, but you may have a look
> at Kroupware. It's been around since 2003, and is fully functional.
> 
> http://freshmeat.net/projects/kroupware/

no mapi
no integration with wireless devices


> I don't understand the part you write about voip:
> 
>> 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].
>>
>> [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.
> 
> If they are willing to spend some money, they can get the
> kolab/kroupware guys to make the voip plugin :) Seriously, what are
> you writing here?

probably speekos.

first, plugins are *way too expensive* in terms of labor deployment 
costs.  second  plugins are *way too expensive* in terms of stability 
reduction.

voip vendor uses mapi to inject special message so that outlook will 
signal presence of voicemail to their plugin and soft phone.  yea, it is 
a loopy as it sounds.  tried imap and their plugin make it look like 
mailbox has duplicate messages.  pheah.

spending money in this case has the advantage that the service is 
avalable *NOW* not some gnw later time