Re: competing with exchange (and losing)

On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:25:23 -0400
"Eric S. Johansson" <esj@xxxxxxxxxx> 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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