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Scalix Servers latest version number, 9.2.1, is a little misleading. This is really the third major release of the product as Scalix Server, whose roots can be found in Hewlett-Packard Corp.s OpenMail.
Click here to read the full review of Scalix Server 9.2.1.
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Scalix Servers latest version number, 9.2.1, is a little misleading. This is really the third major release of the product as Scalix Server, whose roots can be found in Hewlett-Packard Corp.s OpenMail.
In the year and a half since we looked at Version 8.2 of Scalix Server, Scalix has improved the product by enhancing its Web mail client, adding a Web-based administration console and providing tools for integrating with Active Directory. Scalix Server pricing starts at $60 per user.
Scalix Servers calendar and scheduling information resides in each users message store, rather than in a separate Internet free/busy store. With this architecture, users give up the client access flexibility available in CommuniGate Pro and Gordano Messaging Suite, but administrators also dont have to deal with the overhead of managing a second application component and a second user data file.
On the administration side, we welcomed the addition of the Web-based management console and liked that we could remotely distribute the Scalix Connect plug-in and necessary connection information. The plug-in can also be configured to self-update by checking the server for the latest version.
Scalix Server maintains the fidelity of the Outlook-to-Exchange user experience better than any of the other products reviewed here.
The Scalix Web client, meanwhile, strikes a good balance between emulating the Outlook experience and making usability improvements and adding customization capabilities. We liked that we could include a daily planner view as part of the basic navigation elements.
As with the other products in this review, Scalix Server can function as a POP or IMAP e-mail server.
Currently, the product supports only Outlook as a client, but Scalix is working on a solution that will allow users of Novell Inc.s Evolution client to access the server, according to Scalix company officials. In addition, the company has just made available a free version of the software that lets users store—but not share—calendar information on the server.
Scalix doesnt have an API for writing plug-ins to anti-virus and anti-spam products, but companies can integrate with the servers service router. Vendors that have already done so and are providing documented and supported systems include ClamAV, Trend Micro Inc. and McAfee.
Next page: Evaluation Shortlist: Related Products.
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Evaluation Shortlist
Bynaris Insight Server 4.2 Offers well-integrated open-source tools but lacks an automated deployment feature (www.bynari.com)
CommuniGate Systems CommuniGate Pro Real-Time Collaboration 4.3 Broadly extensible, with a wide range of groupware features (www.communigate.com)
Gordanos Messaging Suite 11 Provides a well-integrated suite of messaging tools but is not as extensible as its competitors (www.gordano.com)
IBMs IBM Lotus Domino 6.5 Enterprise groupware with database-driven applications (www.ibm.com)
Microsofts Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Defines groupware in the Outlook world and allows forms-based applications in Outlook (www.microsoft.com)
Scalixs Scalix Server 9.2.1 Brings good Exchange and Outlook feature fidelity to Linux and Outlook users, with an excellent Web mail interface (www.scalix.com)
Technical Analyst Michael Caton can be reached at [email protected].
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