Kerio MailServer 6.6 takes on MS Exchange

Kerio Technologies has updated its MailServer groupware, taking direct aim at Microsoft Exchange. The company says MailServer 6.6 has two key improvements designed to convince Exchange users to switch. The first is support for managing resources -- the ability to book conference rooms, audio/visual equipment and other assets using online tools. The second addition is a migration tool designed to make it less painful for companies to move their data from Exchange to MailServer. The new release also provides improved e-mail support for the iPhone and other mobile devices.

MailServer is billed as a less expensive, lower-maintenance alternative to Microsoft Exchange. To simplify conversion, Kerio's Exchange Migration Tool allows IT administrators to transfer server settings, user accounts, folders, domains, e-mail and other data in short order. Data from Microsoft Exchange 5.5, 2000, 2003 and 2007 can be moved into MailServer at 800 items per minute. The tool also gives administrators the option of moving a few users at a time, rather than all at once.

The addition of resource management allows users to book conference rooms, projectors and other items using iCal, Entourage, Outlook or Kerio Webmail. To avoid scheduling conflicts, users can check on the availability of a resource in real-time before reserving it. Permissions can be set, allowing administrators to decide which users have the right to book a particular resource.

The new release allows iPhone and Windows Mobile devices to view attachments and HTML email using Exchange ActiveSync 12. The company has also added an auto-configuration tool, allowing Mac users to quickly set up their CALDAV accounts for iCal. A similar tool allows PC users to configure Microsoft Outlook. Kerio says CALDAV support has been enhanced with the ability to automatically look up contacts, delegate calendars and configure user availability.

Kerio MailServer 6.6 is available now for Mac OS X 10.4 or higher, Windows XP, Vista, Red Hat Linux, and SUSE Linux. MailServer licenses are available in a wide variety of configurations, starting at $500. The upgrade is free for existing customers.