Today my Exchange 2000 server decided to exhibit symptoms that pointed to corruption in the information store. After 2 hours without mail service throughout my workplace, the mail store was back to normal. While waiting for the integrity checks, the mail store DEFRAG (don’t ask), I searched the web for alternatives to Exchange. I simply have had enough of its unreliablity and unfriendly approach to administration.
I had heard of SuSE’s mail server from a while back and decided to have a look at what they offer now. For those who don’t know, SuSE started as a German Linux distribution which grew in popularity. This caused Novell to take some powerful interest. In November 2003, Novell aquired SuSE. 
But enough of the history lesson.
So now SuSE has launched an application called Open Exchange Server. What this is, is a stripped down version of the SuSE linux distribution with a custom developed email server. Not just email but proper groupware. Have a look at the feature list. As standard modules - email, a calendar, tasks, file storage, forums, knowledge bases are included with options such as instant messaging available. It even has a Outlook connector so that staff won’t even notice the difference. A fully functional demo is available here.
What I saw blew me away. The software is elegantly engineered and why this software is not used more I do no understand. After having a look at the demo I emailed SuSE asking if there was any way that I could evaluate the software. Within an hour, I had a personal response from SuSE requesting my postal address so that CDs could be posted to me. Imagine asking Microsoft for evaluation CDs. I have an old Dell Poweredge in my office that is waiting for the CDs to arrive. I cannot wait. Microsoft - sit up and take notice. This is the way you do business.
Note - I will do some more posts on my experiences of OpenExchange from installing, migration and how it works. It should be quite fun!