As groupware, Microsoft Exchange offers companies the option of synchronizing and managing e-mails, calendars and documents across multiple devices. But not every company wants to fall back on the Microsoft solution. In this article, we will show you which paid and free alternatives you can use.
Google Workspace
Google Workspace , formerly G-Suite, is probably the best-known paid alternative to the Microsoft offer. In addition to replacing Microsoft Exchange, it also serves as an alternative to Office 365.
Private users can already use the Google applications Gmail, Calendar, Drive and Docs free of charge, which means that little getting used to the professional user interface is necessary. In the paid business version, the e-mail service is expanded to include the use of your own domain. In addition, all Office applications and, depending on the selected package, administrator applications and different sizes of cloud storage are available. The e-mail service can be stored in all common e-mail programs with Imap or POP, all other applications can be accessed via the browser or apps on mobile devices.
The service works via Google's own cloud, so it cannot run on its own servers.
Kerio Connect
Kerio Connect has the advantage over Google Workspace that it can be operated on its own servers, and compared to other providers that Windows systems can be used for this. Under certain circumstances, this simplifies setup and support, as the personnel assigned to do this do not need to be familiar with Linux. Nevertheless, the service is only offered as a paid version.
The distinguishing feature of Kerio Connect is, on the one hand, the easy and quick installation which, according to the developer, should only take 20 minutes. On the other hand, the software contains an instant messaging service that can be connected directly to other chat clients. Like many other providers, Kerio Connect also enables data to be synchronized across different (mobile) devices using Microsoft Active Sync..
Source: GFI software Open-Xchange
After Google Workspace, Open-Xchange is probably one of the best-known and most widely used Microsoft Exchange alternatives. For this reason, too, the service is constantly being developed, more than is the case with some of the other services presented here.
In addition to e-mail, contact and calendar applications, Open-Xchange also contains elements for the document management system, cloud functions and the connection to social media offers.
The service is a mixture of the services listed above and some open source offers: companies have to pay for the service itself, but its structure is quite open. This means that many file formats can be opened natively without first having to convert them. The disadvantage, however, is that the service can only be operated on the provider's servers.
Kopano
As with all open source services presented here, Kopano , previously Zarafa, is made available as software for free download. In order to receive full support and long-term servers operated by external providers, the Kopano One version, which is subject to a charge, must be used. The latter is particularly suitable for smaller companies that do not have the resources to operate a server and the associated support. On the other hand, open source offers are a good alternative, as they can be adapted to the individual requirements of the company if the know-how is available.
In addition to the basic functions of e-mail, calendar and contact functions, Kopano also has a connection to e-mail programs and mobile devices, as the MAPI interface is integrated. It can also be used via its own web or desktop app. The service can be installed on Linux systems..
Zimbra
Zimbra is also open source software, so it can be used freely and free of charge. The exchange service is installed on a Linux system and can then be used via an email client in the browser. It also includes the synchronization of data across different devices.
Alternatively, the developer of the software offers a paid SaaS version in which the servers required for use are operated and maintenance and support are taken over. In this version, additional e-mail programs can be connected via the MAPI interface without having to use IMAP or POP.
Source: zimbra Conclusion
There are a number of alternatives for the Microsoft Exchange service. Which of the groupware exactly suits your company depends heavily on whether you want to book the server infrastructure directly with the provider or whether you can provide it yourself. It is also decisive whether you only need an e-mail service or whether you also want to use the provider's office applications. Finally, the decision as to whether or not the software should be viewable and customizable as an open source product plays a role.
