Open-Xchange Offers Free Webmail Module to Qualifying Organizations
by Kristin Shoemaker - Feb. 12, 2009Comments (0)- Related Blog Posts
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Open source collaboration software and support provider Open-Xchange announced today that it would offer its webmail module free of charge to qualifying partners. The Webmail4Free promotion is open to companies in the telecommunication industry (web hosting providers and ISPs) as well as non-profit and educational institutions (universities, government agencies, and other organizations granted non-profit status). Additional qualifications and terms depend on the number of accounts required by the interested organization.
While choosing software simply because it's low-cost (or no cost) isn't recommended, and the promotion is (naturally) designed to be a mutually beneficial arrangement, companies and non-profits interested in deploying open source mail, groupware and information management solutions might want to take a closer look at Open-Xchange's offer.
Open-Xchange's terms ask that participants in the promotion market the groupware and mobility modules to their userbase for a certain period of time, as well as signing a support agreement. The terms of the commitment are based on the size of the organization's current userbase. Add on modules (and support contracts) that are implemented during this promotion qualify for volume discounts.
Depending on the participating organization's situation, the marketing and support clause could either be unnerving, or sweeten the deal further. The Webmail4Free whitepaper explains that the free webmail module includes any future application updates and upgrades, any professional services required to get the Open-Xchange webmail service up and running, and (of more interest to telecom providers) a listing on the Open-Xchange web site as a partner organization.
This promotion certainly isn't for everyone. Since the Open-Xchange platform is open source, these services could be deployed and maintained inhouse should a business have an IT department familiar with similar services and alternative operating systems. For qualifying companies that desire vendor support and collaboration tools beyond webmail, however, Open-Xchange's promotion might make now the time to go open source.
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