Linux Mail Server

[blubomber]

I have been pushing for an upgrade of our mail server from Exchange 5.5. The thought crossed my mind about setting up a Linux box to be the mail server. However, all of the clients would be running Outlook 2000 because the clients would have to stay Windows based.

So, is there a good mail server program out ther for Linux and how difficult would the administration be? And, can it support Outlook clients the way Exchange does?

[SpookyEddy]

UNIX mail servers are not integrated solutions like Exchange, so you need a seperate component for each service you want to provide (be it smtp, imap, pop3 etc). Postfix is a good MTA to perform the smtp duties etc, atleast IMO

If you are running on a AD enabled domain I would opt for Exchange 2000 or E2k3 (what I am currently running) every time if you can afford it, it makes life so much easier.

Regards

ed

<edit>and this post was much longer but it broke timo twice and I can't be bothered to type it all again

[implexant]

I find that exchange works best for businesses, and Exchange 2000 is an excellent option.

There are several POP servers and IMAP server for linux, but I've never been able to mess with them enough to get them to work.

-Chris

[SpookyEddy]

SMTP, POP and IMAP support under Unix/Linux is great (not really suprising as thats what most of the net uses), and if you just want a standalone mail server then it would be a good choice IMO (I would use OpenBSD or NetBSD probably). Its when you want domain integration etc that exchange comes into its own, even if it does suck heavily in other areas.

[implexant]

ya but if his client machines are using Outlook, the feature options is sweet in the extreme compared to plain old POP.

So if he needs the features that outlook provides in combination with exchange, go for exchange. If you can afford it

If you need just plain POP/IMAP/SMTP. Get a Linux server. Or UNIX, whichever you are most comfy with

That's about the way I see it.

-Chris

[CMonster]

No real drop-in replacement for MS Exchange yet, but opengroupware proports to come close when used in conjunction with a proprietary plug-in for Outlook.

possible points of interest:

http://www.bynari.net

http://www.opengroupware.org/en/index.html

[implexant]

Net Integration Technologies has something called Exchange It! which is supposed to be like Exchange. You have to buy their server solution to use it though. Mid-ranger runs around $2800.

-Chris

[e980238]

Suse has something called "Open Exchange"

I cant find a good link to post right now but ill continue looking...


edit:

Here is a good link:
http://www.annexa.com/SuSE_Linux_Exchange_Server.html

[CMonster]

e980238 -thanks for pointing that out. I can't believe I left out SuSE.

[blubomber]

Thank you all for the replies and guidance.

i was kindof under the impression from some of the research i did that it might be best to stay with Exchange. My only problem with exchange is the price. i would be looking at around a $12,000 to $15,000 for an upgrade. That would linclude a new server (which is needed), Exchange 2k3 Standard (only about 100 mailboxes), and then the licences( $70 a connection).

We are also currently using OWA which alot of users like. So i may just have to keep pushing for Exchange 2k3, but i am still going to look at the links that have been provided.

Thanks again.