Open-Xchange Improves Sync and Support for Macs and Apple Mobile Devices
by Kristin Shoemaker - May. 14, 2009Comments (1)- Related Blog Posts
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Want to hear an odd little theory (or perhaps more of a personal hang up) of mine? I don't own a Mac, and have never owned a Mac -- and I can say without reservation that many Macs I've worked with have been great, robust little machines. I also have never owned any Apple device (iPod, iPhone, or even a Newton). There are a few reasons on that front, one being that I don't have a Mac, and historically I've seen that these devices just don't play as well on other platforms as they do on Macs.
Here's the rub: Macs are nice, contained sorts of bio-domes, technological terrariums of sorts. The hardware and software all work together by design (which makes computing pleasant when all goes to plan and frustrating when it doesn't). When you need (or want) to use an outside service, problems ranging from aesthetic annoyances to complete non-communication arise.
Open-Xchange is an open source groupware and email alternative to Microsoft's Exchange Server. Though Open-Xchange previously supported Mac systems to some degree, it wasn't truly a cohesive, native experience.
If you're running OS X and use Open-Xchange, syncing your calendar, email, tasks and appointments between desktop, server, and mobile device just got a lot more functional, and much easier.
Open-Xchange is actually integrating two Apple-specific plugins (which are available free of charge to those who use either an on-premises or hosted version of an Open-Xchange server). OXtender for Mac OS X was clearly designed to give users the full Open-Xchange functionality, but preserve that native "Mac" feel. Open-Xchange syncs with the native Apple applications (iCal, Apple's address book, iSync), and its InfoStore document manager can be configured to work with the Mac's Finder file manager. Open-Xchange mail services are now accessible through the native Apple mail client.
The OXtender for the Mobile Web is optimized for the iPhone. Open-Xchange customers bearing these devices are able to access their data on an Open-Xchange server through a special web client. This is especially handy for those who don't use Apple's push services, as contacts, appointments and tasks are readily available and easily accessible.
Interoperability is always a tough area to negotiate. People should be able to use the devices they want, on the platform they choose, with the services and software their schools, businesses, or ISPs provide. All too often, it doesn't quite work out that way. Increasingly, however, we're seeing third party (and almost invariably open source) companies step in and offer solutions that let businesses -- and their customers -- choose the devices and platforms that work best for them, and help those divergent bits of hardware and code work together peaceably.
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