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

I'm working on one

[jpmorgan]

I'm working on a system to replace Exchange (well, Lotus Domino, actually - BTW, Notes must die!). It will not be protocol compatible with either, and it isn't near a release yet.

So never fear! There are some people working on the problem. ;-)

Re:2 reasons

[PhreakinPenguin]

But in all honesty, and coming from someone who uses both MS and RedHat support, MS is far and above Redhat in support issues. That may change in the future, but for right now I give MS the nod.

Re:RFC 2447

[ostiguy]

You are correct, in fact, I am 99% certain that MS Outlook Xp sends out its calendar requests, etc by default in that format.

That said, I am an exchange bigot - exchange 2k's web mail + IE > 5 is the closest thing to a real mail client via the web.

ostiguy

How ironic..

[Frank of Earth]

.. that the thread is about getting rid of MS Exchange and right below the article is a BIG FAT BANNER for Visual Studio.NET "Get your free trial DVD from MS"

Apparently, it's ok to bash Microsoft every 5th /. post, but it's ok to generate revenue by displaying their ads.

Re:No, and to the Wannabe's, Put up or Shut up

[LibertineR]

The only thing difficult about making an Exchange replacement is the technical (and legal) difficulty of deciphering MS' proprietary protocols.

This is the exact nonsense I'm talking about. Write your own fucking protocals!! Do it, if its so damned easy. It aint.

You and your bretheren think its better to just take(by government force)MS's intellectual property, so you sit back and whine, rather than put your heads down and code a replacement.

Fact is, 99% of you wouldnt know where to begin, which is why Exchange is in no danger. Most of it, is actually easy, but then try integrating it, genius.

If Microsoft and Chevron with their 100,000 member server clients not rebooting nightly, surely any company can install and configure Exchange correctly. Bottom line, 80% of MCSE's dont know squat.