Re: [OS:N:] Exchange Server?

[Etienne Goyer <etienne goyer linuxquebec com>]

You are really facing two problems here : 

- People want to use Outlook.  Mostly because they know it, but also
  because it is very featureful.  I personnally think the interface is
  a mess, but people get used to worst thing.  If you want to use even a
  small subset of the collaboration feature, you are stuck using
  Exchange.  So, if you want to make a case against against Exchange,
  you have to make a case against Outlook.  Though job ahead ...

- Alternative exist on the server side, but since there is no standard 
  for most of the collaboration features that Exchange/Outlook provide, 
  they don't interoperate out-of-box with most PIM and more importantly 
  with Outlook.  There are hack out there to make it work such as Bynari 
  Outlook connectors, but they cost $$$ and don't necessarily work as 
  well as advertised.  If you're going to pay, you may as well buy the 
  real thing.


The Outlook/Exchange couple is probably the worst example of vendor
lock-in in the current desktop computer landscape.  On the other hand, 
it's impossible to cover the same featureset with standard and published 
protocol so people are forced to either drink the Kool-Aid or cut down
their expectations.

If that help you make a case, Exchange >= 2k require Active Directory to
run.  You don't deploy AD in a week-end, and it does'nt manage itself
either.  Installing Exchange may represent more work than they currently
envision.  If you are to bring this issue to you school district
management, please don't take my words for cash and do some research to
understand the issue.

Considering the cost and manpower involved in deploying AD + Exchange,
you may convince the management to shelve the project.  You may present
an alternative set of service based on IMAP, LDAP and some kind of Web
groupware.  I am doing it right now.  Keep in mind that this will
require manpower and know-how that your school district may or may not
have.

If they are not willing to revise their list of required features,
you'll be fighting a losing battle.

Good luck.  I welcome your questions about the work I am doing right 
now, if you have any.



On Fri, Jan 09, 2004 at 12:30:34PM -0500, Patrick Cable II wrote:
> Hi list -
> 
>   My school district wants to set up exchange server... this scares me.
> Our current email system runs on qMail and such.
>   What is there for alternatives?
>   The superintendant is dead set on using outlook and sharing calendars.
> He will not have it any other way. Whatever he uses also must sync with
> his palm pilot
> 
> Patrick
> 
> 
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-- 
Etienne Goyer                    Linux Québec Technologies Inc.
http://www.LinuxQuebec.com       etienne goyer linuxquebec com