SuSe moves to match Exchange on Outlook

SuSE Linux has moved to match Microsoft Exchange Server by boosting Microsoft Outlook support for its Groupware, collaboration and messaging software.

With mainstream support for Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 ceasing at the end of this year, many users are looking to cheaper options, according to SuSE.

Openexchange Server 4.1 includes a web-based distributed authoring and versioning (WebDAV) interface and Outlook connector to speed information flows.

"There has been phenomenal interest in Openexchange, particularly because of the low cost," SuSE Linux UK technical consultant Roger Whitaker told vnunet.com.

"SuSE stresses the similar functionality [to Microsoft Exchange Server] and it tends to be wedded to Outlook clients."

Outlook users will now be able to access calendar, contact data, tasks and documents stored within Openexchange Server, which also alerts them in real time to appointment conflicts.

The WebDAV interface allows project management, ERP, CRM and other application data to be exchanged automatically, so that, for instance, project deadlines, tasks and appointments can update the calendar.

Fax and SMS support is now available, while a web-based interface option using any commonly used browser provides additional features and operating system independence.

The price of £806 + VAT includes a base licence for 10 concurrent Groupware clients and unlimited email clients, one year's system maintenance and installation support and manuals.

Lower-cost student and evaluation versions are due to be announced shortly.

Whitaker also hinted at a likely enhancement to SuSE Linux Desktop to provide a Linux Outlook alternative.