What is it?
At the end of August
Cisco
Systems announced it was acquiring PostPath, which provides a
Linux-based replacement to
Microsoft Exchange. "Replacement" rather than "alternative",
since PostPath claims its server is so compatible with Exchange
that it can simply be dropped in place of an existing or planned
Exchange Server, without any disruption to user service.
PostPath can work natively with Active Directory, and supports
the Outlook client. From the user's point of view, it involves no
changes to the desktop. PostPath claims its servers can co-exist
seamlessly with Exchange servers in the same e-mail infrastructure.
Active Directory's migration tool can even be used to move users
from Exchange to PostPath when they access Outlook.
PostPath is based on open Linux and other industry standards. It
replaces the proprietary Jet database with Linux-based file
systems, which provide backup and replication, and can exploit high
availability solutions offered by Linux suppliers, such as Red
Hat's Cluster Server.
PostPath is the latest in a number of acquisitions which make up
Cisco's Collaboration Software Group. According to Gartner Group,
"PostPath's small size made larger companies hesitant to buy the
e-mail system, a problem solved by Cisco's ownership. The
Cisco/PostPath partnership will threaten the Exchange
franchise."
This is not necessarily good news for existing Exchange
professionals, since one of PostPath's goals is to eliminate the
need for full-time Exchange server administrators. It does
potentially open up Exchange's huge share of the messaging and
collaboration market to people without the resources or patience to
go through Microsoft's expensive training and certification
process. But Cisco training and certification is just as
expensive.
Where did it originate?
PostPath was founded in 2003. Based in Mountain View,
California, it also has development facilities in Bulgaria.
What's it for?
PostPath explains that its product supports Exchange's low level
network protocols, without using plug-ins. Microsoft's own
applications such as Sharepoint and Project, and third-party
applications like Blackberry Exchange Gateway, continue to
interoperate with PostPath without changes.
As an alternative to Outlook, PostPath has its own Ajax web
client proividing e-mail, shared calendaring and access to public
folders.
What makes it special?
The combination of Linux with Microsoft protocols means open
systems and Microsft's proprietary applications can be used
together according to requirements.
How difficult is it to master?
PostPath offers its own "simple-to-use" web-based desktop
management and administration tools, though existing Microsoft
tools can also be used. Exchange management, and especially
migration, is notoriously complex. PostPath claims to make it
simpler as well as cheaper.
Where is it used?
PostPath claims most interest from small and medium businesses
with up to 2,500 employees, though it also claims to have attracted
the attention of larger corporations. Its showcase user is the City
of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, which is migrating approximately
250 employees to PostPath from Exchange.
What systems does it run on?
Linux. The Webmail Client supports browsers including
Microsoft's Internet Explorer, FireFox, and Apple's Safari.
What's coming up?
Cisco is building a Web 2.0-based software-as-a-service
collaboration portfolio, covering unified messaging, conferencing
and document management. PostPath joins other acquisitions such as
WebEx Connect collaboration platform, due to become available to
subscription users this September.
Rates of Pay
PostPath has yet to feature in UK job ads, but a few employers
are looking for "architects" and others to help develop Cisco-based
unified messaging systems.
Training
For downloads and
documentation visit PostPath's website.