SuSE opens up to Outlook users with Openexchange 4.1

With the latest version of its Openexchange server, SuSE Linux is making it a little bit easier for Microsoft Outlook users to work with their open source comrades.

Version 4.1 of SuSE's collaboration product will, for the first time, let Outlook users tap into calendar and contact information as well as access documents stored on a SuSE Openexchange server. SuSE's software can now, for example, send out a real-time alert to Outlook users when it picks up on an appointment conflict.

SuSE has also rolled out a Public Folders tool with the product that permits group management of appointments, contacts and tasks.

SuSE is bullish, to say the least, about the point upgrade.

"This release marks a watershed moment for Linux-based enterprise communications," said Juergen Geck, CTO at SuSE.

The Openexchange server comes with a retooled Web-based user interface as well. The new interface can tap into data from various ERP and CRM apps, pulling in project deadline and other task information. The UI also runs on a number of browsers, allowing SuSE users to access the software regardless of what operating system they are using.

The new server starts shipping on Nov. 17 at a price of $1.240. This includes a basic license for ten groupware clients and an unlimited number of e-mail clients. ®