26 March 2002 Linux software developer Ximian is to release a connector to Microsoft Exchange for its Evolution groupware suite. Through the connector, Evolution will allow users to manage email, calendars, group schedules and address books using Exchange 2000 servers, but without the requirement to run Microsoft software on the client.
“The challenge in connecting decentralised Linux workgroups with the larger Windows-based enterprises has been a barrier for Linux desktops to make inroads into the corporate world,” says Robert Mahowald, an analyst at IDC. “I think this product is designed to break that down.”
Boston, Massachusetts-based Ximian was founded by two of the originators of the Gnome graphical user interface for Linux and Unix desktops and is currently spearheading the Mono project to produce a Linux-based version of Microsoft’s .Net web services technology.
The client-based Connector will be available from Ximian in packs of 1, 10 and 25 licences priced at $69 (€79), $599 (€683) and $1,449 (€1653) respectively.
