Exchange Server 2007 Is Looking Vulnerable to Pricing
Microsoft's Exchange Server 2007, has come to resemble Chrysler's 1989 turbocharged, 2.5-liter four cylinder debacle. As you can imagine, a turbocharged minivan didn't take much market share.
Just because e-mail is the original killer app of the Internet, doesn't mean that it should be burdened with expensive performance enhancements. Ed Brill and Antony Satyadas have been busy questioning the puzzling value of Exchange. Now, it looks like everyone is starting to wonder whether or not Microsoft has made a misstep. Aaron Ricadela of InformationWeek writes,
Getting all of Exchange 2007's new features will cost more. Companies must buy a 64-bit version of Windows Server for computers running Exchange, and access to Microsoft's "unified" in-box and Hosted Exchange Services will require a new enterprise license for each user.
Will companies see enough value to buy? E-mail remains the all-time killer app, but that doesn't mean companies will kill their budgets to improve it.
The turbocharged, 1989 Caravan did have a cool factor to it, but most people interested in a minivan want the same things we all want in e-mail: security and stability. There are always other offerings that are better suited for the job of transporting your most valuable assets.
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