Open-Xchange

What is Open-Xchange Server?

The Open-Xchange™ is a Collaboration and Integration Server Environment groupware that allows you to store appointments, contacts, tasks, emails, bookmarks, documents, many more elements and makes it possible to share them between users. This groupware environment can be accessed via any modern web browser and multiple fat clients like KDE Kontact, Novell Evolution, Apples iCAL, Konqueror, Mozilla Calendar. Notably it also supports Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express.

Every 3rd party product can access this application over many different interfaces such as WebDAV (XML), LDAP, iCal, and HTTP/S. This makes the Open-Xchange™ application a powerful product which can be used in many of different business and private areas successfully delivering access to e-mail and distributed groupware functions.

The Open-Xchange™ Server is based on the following open source daemons and services: a web (HTTP/S) server (like Apache), a servlet engine (like Tomcat), a database (like PostgreSQL), a directory server (like OpenLDAP), and a mail (both SMTP and IMAP) server (like Postfix using Cyrus); just to list a few which are know to work.
Open-Xchange™ is free software and open source under the GNU General Public License.

If you download the Outlook OXtender, then the Open-Xchange™ Server can also be accessed via MS Outlook and Palm devices. Browse the Wiki and the download section for further information.

Every 3rd party product can access this application over many different interfaces such as WebDAV (XML), LDAP, iCal, and HTTP/S. This makes the Open-Xchange™ Server a powerful product which can be used in many of different business and private areas successfully delivering access to e-mail and distributed groupware functions.

The Open-Xchange™ Server is based on the following open source daemons and services:

* a web (HTTP/S) server (like Apache)
* a servlet engine (like Tomcat)
* a database (like PostgreSQL)
* a directory server (like OpenLDAP)
* and a mail (both SMTP and IMAP) server (like Postfix using Cyrus)

The RIGHT Information at Your Fingertips

Open-Xchange Server offers unique capabilities to link objects and documents to related projects, tasks and meetings. Documents can be shared and edited, with complete version control - so everyone always has access to the latest and most accurate information. Get the information you need quickly and easily - anywhere, even on common mobile devices.

Future Proof and Cost-Effective

Open-Xchange Server dramatically reduces the cost of deploying and managing an advanced messaging and collaboration infrastructure. Built on open platforms and open standards, Open-Xchange Server is a scalable and modular solution that won't turn your whole IT infrastructure upside down. It integrates simply and efficiently into your existing IT infrastructure. With Open-Xchange Server and Outlook® OXtender , you can retain client software like Microsoft® Outlook® and Microsoft® Internet Explorer - even when you jettison Microsoft® Exchange Server. So you get happy users and seamless productivity without lengthy training.

Flexible, Adaptable, and Seamless Open Source

Open-Xchange Server evolved as a software platform based on the feedback of thousands of end users as well as the inspiration - and perspiration - of hundreds of thousands of programmers who make up the worldwide open source community. All of this energy and input continually improves the product. Open-Xchange's extended development team is certain that the platform will show continuous, even accelerating, improvement to keep pace with the evolving expectations of its installed base.

Free download or purchase? Comparison of Community and Commercial Version

	Open-Xchange 0.8 (free download version)	Open-Xchange® 5 (commercial version)
Open Source based core engine at the server	x	x
sitemaintenance (incl. certified bug fixes)		x
5-year maintenance pledge		x
update and upgrade protection		x
standard support		x
easy to install (installation tools)		x
easy to manage (keep it up and running) / monitoring		x
admin and user manuals as well as integrated online help		x
web-based administration		x
certified 3rd party applications		x
certified OXtenders (OpenSource or proprietary)		x
whitepapers und documentation	x	x
MS-Outlook und Palm connectors	o	x
( x ) available ( o ) commercial extension

DECISIVE ADVANTAGES OF OPEN XCHANGE SERVER

For general

Investment security and cost savings through the utilization of Open Source technology
Increased productivity: more efficient company communication optimizes workflows and boosts the economic yield
Free choice of the clients (Outlook, various PDAs ...) - no migration needed!
Full range of groupware functionality can be accessed with any Internet browser
Collaboration and messaging are ready to use
Perfect data consistency: all relevant information is up to date and available at all times and everywhere - even for external staff
Facile, central administration
Substantial increase in the reliability of the infrastructure, resulting in high user satisfaction
Security and stability of the Open Source world
Because Open Xchange runs on Linux, your organization will be free from common windows-based viruses.
All modules are web-based so nothing malicious ever reaches your in-house workstations
Open Xchange aggressive spam and virus filtering comes right out of the box
Open Xchange does not require any additional hardware or software
Employees simply open their favorite web browser, log in, and get right to work
All this, combined with the rock-solid security and reliability that comes with Linux, makes Open Xchange a groupware powerhouse

For the company Management

Comprehensive overview of all processes in the company
Enhanced communication intensifies and improves workflows and increases the economic yield
Full investment security and cost savings

For Staff

All relevant data is available at all times; even external staff is up to date at all times and regardless of the location
More productivity, decreased workload
No familiarization necessary; existing applications such as Outlook, Pegasus, etc. can continue to be used

For IT Department

Central administration from the administrator's workstation without additional workload
Professional maintenance, support, services, and training greatly facilitate the system administration
Substantial increase of the reliability of the infrastructure results in user satisfaction

THE FEATURES OF OPEN XCHANGE SERVER

* Mail Server with a Technically Proven Base
* Operating system: SuSE Linux
* SMTP mail server, mail transfer agent: Postfix 1.1.11
* IMAP mail delivery agent: Cyrus IMAP 2.1.9
* Web server: Apache 1.3.26
* LDAP server: OpenLDAP 2.1.4
* Integrated spam/virus filter
* DHCP
* Mature webmail client
* Intuitive scheduler
* Smart document management
* Easy-to-use discussion forum
* Comfortable address management
* Versatile knowledge database with full-text search
* Project planning
* Forum, pinboard, etc.
* Integrated note feature
* Global availability of all features via the Internet
* Flexible permission system
* Encryption for HTTP, SMTP, IMAP, POP3, and LDAP with TLS