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

Ximian Evolution

[strider( corinth )]

Ximian Evolution supports integration with Exchange on what looks like the level you're looking for. Check out their press release. A quote:

"With Ximian Connector installed, Ximian Evolution will function as a Microsoft Exchange 2000 client, enabling users to manage their email, personal calendars, group schedules, address books and tasks lists using existing company Exchange 2000 servers."

I'm not certain this is what you're looking for, but it seems to fit the bill to me. I use Evolution myself, and highly recommend it.

Re:What about Xiamian?

[dancornell]

Their Evolution product does some of this. It does individual calendaring and email management, and it has a connector for Exchange, but I don't believe that there is a server version of the software. You can set up appointments and whatnot peer-to-peer, but there is no centralized repository like there is in Exchange. So you can't check other people's schedules or reserver rooms or other groupware-type stuff that Exchange lets you do (I don't think)