A small ISP/ISV in Germany has added support for the open SyncML standard to the open-source version of its Internet groupware suite. Additionally, Netline Internet Service says it has added a Microsoft Outlook connector to the commercial version of Open-Xchange.

(Click for larger view of OX calendar)

Netline originally developed Open-Xchange (OX) as an intranet project, later offering it as a service product to its ISP (Internet service provider) customers. The technology then became part of SLOX (SuSE Linux Open-Xchange Server), a commercial product co-developed with SuSE. A free version of OX was released under the GPL last year.

The newest open source version of OX, version 0.8.0.1, includes a technology preview of support for SyncML, an open standard from the Open Mobile Alliance that aims to provide a universal way of synchronizing mobile devices with servers and desktops. Netline says the SyncML standard is “driving data mobility” by ensuring consistency of data. Netline CEO Frank Hoberg said, “With the addition of SyncML, users can leave their desktops and collaborate on the go.”

Additionally, Netlink says it has added an “OXlook” connector to OX 5.0, the commercial version of Open-Xchange. The new connector allows Windows Outlook clients of various kinds to interoperate with Open-Xchange Server running on Linux servers, Netlink says.

OX is a Java-based application, with some components written in C++ for security. It comprises various modules, including:

• portal
  
• calendar
  
• contacts
  
• addresses
  
• tasks
  
• projects
  
• documents
  
• knowledge
  
• bookmarks
  
• pinbord
  
• forums
  
• webmailer

In addition to a web interface, it has WebDAV and XML interfaces that enable it to interact with desktop software such as iCal, Mozilla Calendar, and others, Netline says. Features include support for SSL, JDBC databases such as PostgreSQL, LDAP support, and more. It requires JDK 1.4 or better, a Java compiler, the Apache ANT build system, and gcc.

Availability

The free version of Open-Xchange can be found here. Details about installing the SyncML technology preview can be found here.

The commercial version, Open-Xchange 5.0, is available now priced at $300 for five named users, or $850 for 25 named users. Additional seats cost $25 each. Volume and educational discounts are available.

 
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