Can We Finally Ditch Exchange?

bhsx asks: "With all the innovations going into open source software these days, why do I still need to run Exchange to meet my clients' needs? Even when demonstrating technology like LTSP mixed with any combination of OpenOffice, Star Office, even Codeweaver's Crossover Office running the latest Microsoft suite, the clincher is always over Exchange functionality. I'm aware of Bynari's InsightServer(Coincidentally, I noticed on that page, that their code is for sale) and have started using that as a possible closer, and the cost is much less prohibitive than eXchange+w2k server+CALs; but why isn't there an open source solution to this problem yet?"

"With new releases on the way, like Mandrake 9.0 and the new Lycoris can we who try to use Free Software in business environments hope for any change? Do the commercial Linux distros have any plans to implement a free replacement for Exchange, including a Win32 client-side bridge? If not, why not? Do you feel it is too cost prohibitive to imitate Bynari in this case, or is it a decision more along the lines of 'we'd rather you used Evolution and Mandrake/Lycoris/Whatever, rather than OutLook and Win32'? If it's the latter I'd be severely disappointed, and I don't think I'm alone. Any discussion on this topic would be appreciated; but what I'd really love is a community push to get this done. Perhaps a running Web-A-Thon to raise the money to simply purchase the technology from Bynari? I personally think it would be a great move towards grabbing market share from some of the other distributions, some of which have the technology but choose to keep it closed, as well as from the Great Dragon. What do you think?"

Comments

Re:no

[Batmensch]

I don't know of any enterprise-compatible client/server calendaring systems in the open source world. I'd be very interested to hear about them.

Re:Alot of us are waiting

[Anonymous Coward]

As an SMB consultant, I always keep my clients aware of their options. For instance, they can jump on the platform over King Koopa's head, or they can wait until he jumps and run under, but no matter what, ALWAYS watch for the hammers.

hunger site is a scam

[SethJohnson]

FYI: The hunger site is a scam. I suggest you remove that link from your .sig. That company is profitting off the good will of people trying to help others. If you want to encourage social action, I recommend that you substitute a link to a genuine non-profit organization like the Bastrop Family Crisis Center.

Cordially,

Seth