New SuSE, Ximian Products Target Outlook, Exchange

Linux

SuSE Linux launched an enhanced version of its Linux-based Openexchange e-mail/groupware server with support for the Outlook 2003 client, while Ximian, which was acquired by Novell in August, launched a connector for its Linux desktop that runs on top of Exchange Server 2003.

SuSE's Openexchange 4.1, expected to ship in mid-November, incorporates a new Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning interface. This feature speeds up data exchange between client and server, allowing Outlook users to access Openexchange's calendar, contact data, tasks and documents in realtime, according to SuSE, Oakland, Calif.

Openexchange 4, which was introduced last January, currently supports Outlook 98, 2000 and XP,e-mail clients that are embedded in the Microsoft Office suite.

The SuSE software is priced at $1,240.

"Every customer I have is now clamoring for a new open e-mail/groupware solution," despite the popularity of Exchange and Lotus Notes, said Mark Robinson, CFO of Auto Rain Data Systems, Spokane, Wash. "This is the best solution to come to the forefront from a leading Linux company that I am willing to get behind."

Boston-based Ximian's add-on, meanwhile, enables users to access their e-mails, calendars, schedules, address books, public folders and tasks from Exchange 2003.

Ximian Connector for Microsoft Exchange version 1.4.5, priced at $69 per user, enables Ximian Evolution clients running on Linux and Solaris to be supported as full Exchange 2000 and 2003 clients, the company said.

One Linux solution provider said he sees a fair share of interest in Linux and open-source e-mail servers, but less so on the client. Chris Maresca, president of Olliance Group, Palo Alto, Calif., said, "There are a fair number of companies, particularly midsize companies, switching to Linux-based e-mail. But I have not seen much uptake [on the desktop]."