The company that I'm working for is a specific one - we invent new technologies, then we create a new enterprise around the project, next - the enterprise gets sold.
From the Systems Architect perspective I need to create an entire system for each enterprise that is being developed so it can be easily transfered to a different location. Also I need to think about the costs - my goal always was to build a system which is inexpensive but rock solid and agile.
Now - Microsoft Exchange is anything but inexpensive, a very basic setup would cost at least $30000 and it looks like there is nothing equally good on the market - Or is there ?
I have already tried MDS (Mandriva Directory Server) and I walked out a little disappointed.First there is very little community support around this product. Second - Although the main page of the project advertises that there is 24/7 Support Center, one would find that it's not entirely truth. Yes they have a Call Center - but only in French :) otherwise you need to send an email and wait. Not a very good solution for a production system. So I plunged myself in the madness of research and few hours and three coffee cups later I've found it ! The product is called Zimbra Collaboration Suite, the community support seems to be all right and the cost of the server is around $2000 if you need to go for the support. Otherwise you will be absolutely fine using the Open Source version of the product. The installation of Zimbra Collaboration Suite is simple, fast and intuitive.The Graphic User Interface is so similar to that of MS Outlook that our users love so much that the transition between both systems should be seamless.
Zimbra stands for it's name, it's not just an email server but truly a Collaboration Suite. It allows for creating and managing meetings in a very similar way that Outlook does. You can cerate e-mail aliases, resources and distribution groups.
The next feature worth mentioning and one the cannot be found in Exchange is that Zimbra has opened the architecture which allows for creation of plugins which they call Zimlets. Zimlets allow for integration of various components of the Zimbra system within the mailbox as well as integration of various features from external third party systems.
This means you don't have to live the e-mail window in order to make phone call - just highlight the telephone number inside your e-mail message and use your favorite PC Softphone to make a call. Yahoo Maps zimlet allows for quickly finding an address - just hover your mouse over the address inside your email for the map window to appear.
Zimbra Collaboration Suite looks like a really great replacement for MS Exchange.
