Google Apps for your Domain is free for under 50 users. For "almost Exchange on the cheap" it works really well. Google provides all the tools needed to use Outlook with Google Apps, and add-ons for Thunderbird and Sunbird exist as well. On the Mac side, syncing with Google is fully supported without additional software under Snow Leopard. (Earlier MacOS versions needed additional software.) <br>
<br>On mobile devices (iPhone, Windows Mobile, Android, Palm, whatever) users won't know the difference between Exchange and Google Apps. Google has implemented Active Sync for contacts and calendars. (Possibly mail too as well now, but I haven't double checked that...) <br>
<br>Even free Google Apps accounts get SSL enabled POP3, IMAP, SMTP, and webmail now. <br><br>Here are the differences between the Standard (free) and Premier ($50 per user/per year) versions of Google Apps: <a href="http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/group/index.html">http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/group/index.html</a><br>
<br>For an organization looking at groupware solutions Google Apps is a good starting place if you don't already have a solution. If Google Apps isn't your cup of tea, look into hosted services before you tackle running your own. Exchange is something you just don't want to manage. I don't have any experience with Zimbra myself. <br>
<br clear="all">Above all, keep the users in mind. Generally it's better to give them what they want instead of giving them what you want. With business email, this usually means Outlook and an Exchange or Exchange like services. <br>
<br>-- <br>Andrew S. Zbikowski | <a href="http://andy.zibnet.us">http://andy.zibnet.us</a><br>IT Outhouse Blog Thing | <a href="http://www.itouthouse.com">http://www.itouthouse.com</a><br>