Open-Source Messaging and Exchange or Domino
Category
Cisco has just added a messaging platform competing against Microsoft Exchange, and it makes IBM/Lotus Domino look like a smart choice. With $215 million, Cisco purchased PostPath for its open-source e-mail and calendar system. Combining PostPath with WebEx gives Cisco an interesting, and cost-effective alternative to Exchange, which seems to be turning into a metaphor for a General Motors SUV.
Here are the best reads (so far) on the M&A:http://blogs.computerworld.com/r_i_p_exchange
http://daily-tech-report.com/2008/08/28/cisco-attacks-microsoft-by-acquiring-open-source-based-exchange-alternative-postpath-for-215/
http://www.gartner.com/DisplayDocument?doc_cd=161065&ref=g_homelink
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082808-cisco-buy.html?hpg1=bn
Cisco's direction makes it much simpler to have a discussion with senior management about the real value of a messaging system which is based on open-standards and is integrated with open-source.
I'm going to quote myself on this subject (http://www.leadershipbynumbers.com/ms.nsf/d6plinks/BMAA-7GVM8H):
Oh, and did I forget to mention Sametime and Quickr integration ? Or, that Ubuntu is getting the Notes Client ?
Cisco has just added a messaging platform competing against Microsoft Exchange, and it makes IBM/Lotus Domino look like a smart choice. With $215 million, Cisco purchased PostPath for its open-source e-mail and calendar system. Combining PostPath with WebEx gives Cisco an interesting, and cost-effective alternative to Exchange, which seems to be turning into a metaphor for a General Motors SUV.
Here are the best reads (so far) on the M&A:http://blogs.computerworld.com/r_i_p_exchange
Cisco is buying PostPath, and that is going to kick Exchange in the head.
http://daily-tech-report.com/2008/08/28/cisco-attacks-microsoft-by-acquiring-open-source-based-exchange-alternative-postpath-for-215/
For Cisco, the Exchange server was its Achilles' Heel as it had to rely on Microsoft's security to make this component secure. Now with PostPath, Cisco can now push a product which isn't based on Microsoft software - the added bonus is that with a small market share at present, PostPath won't be subjected to as many security attacks.
http://www.gartner.com/DisplayDocument?doc_cd=161065&ref=g_homelink
PostPath has a Linux-based e-mail system that it has marketed as a replacement for Exchange: It can work natively with Active Directory and supports the Outlook client. PostPath's small size made larger companies hesitant to buy the e-mail system, a problem solved by Cisco's ownership. The Cisco/PostPath partnership will threaten the Exchange franchise.
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082808-cisco-buy.html?hpg1=bn
. . . customers will look at WebEx Connect and say this is scalable and secure and better than any IT infrastructure I can put together, and the cost differential is night and day
Cisco's direction makes it much simpler to have a discussion with senior management about the real value of a messaging system which is based on open-standards and is integrated with open-source.
I'm going to quote myself on this subject (http://www.leadershipbynumbers.com/ms.nsf/d6plinks/BMAA-7GVM8H):
My Notes client is on Eclipse, relying on ODF with Symphony, and running Linux (where it fits). I support Mac, Linux and Windows for the users, and I can pick any OS for the back-end [for the server].
Oh, and did I forget to mention Sametime and Quickr integration ? Or, that Ubuntu is getting the Notes Client ?
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