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In a move to challenge Microsoft Corp.s Exchange, SuSE Linux will later this week announce that its new Openexchange Server will be available in mid-November.
The Openexchange Server will combine the SuSE Linux Enterprise Server operating system, an e-mail server and groupware functionalities in what a SuSE spokesman says is an “innovative all-in-one communication and groupware solution for companies of all sizes at an unmatched price/performance ratio.”
SuSEs Enterprise Server is also the base product for UnitedLinux, the first version of which is expected to ship next month.
SuSE Linux Openexchange Server will be available at a suggested retail price of $1,249, which includes the base license for 10 groupware clients and an unlimited number of e-mail clients.
Also included are four CDs, detailed manuals, 30 days of installation support, and 12 months of system maintenance.
“By deploying SuSE Linux Openexchange Server, enterprises will achieve substantial cost savings. Depending on the number of users, the total cost of ownership of a system with SuSE Linux Openexchange Server is between 59 percent and 64 percent lower than the costs for a Microsoft Exchange-based system,” the spokesman said. “The resource-friendly, central organization of all communication functions and the ongoing maintenance of the operating system by SuSE result in a drastically reduced administration workload and unlimited scalability.”
Openexchange Server will combine open-source components with proprietary software applications, giving users e-mail functionality, integrated Web mail clients, smart central appointment and address management, and efficient project management and task planning tools.
A centrally controlled document management tool and group-based discussion forums are designed to enhance the efficiency of project teams and work with all common browsers. “Users can thus access the communications services from anywhere in the world using a computer with any common operating system and an Internet connection,” the spokesman said.
Data will also be able to be synchronized with both Palm PCs and Pocket PCs. “Microsoft Outlook users will especially appreciate the possibility to synchronize and edit appointments, tasks and addresses,” the spokesman said.
SuSEs Linux Maintenance Service, an active maintenance agreement that is specifically adapted to the deployment of SuSE solutions in enterprise environments, will ensure that all relevant patches, fixes and updates are available in a quality-assured and well-documented form.
Those customers who currently use SuSE Linux eMail Server 3.x and the SuSE Maintenance Service will be offered the option of migrating their systems to the new SuSE Linux Openexchange Server, including 10 client licenses.