Open-Xchange, which promotes open source groupware to more than 500 resellers and integration partners worldwide, plans to host its first partner summit on October 8 in Germany. Here’s the scoop from The VAR Guy.
First, a little background about the company: Open-Xchange has largely avoided the SaaS vs. on-premise groupware debate. The company doesn’t host software on its own, and instead depends on SaaS specialists and integrators to decide how to offer Open-Xchange to end-customers.
The agenda for the Open-Xchange partner summit appears set. In addition to sessions hosted by Open-Xchange executives, watch for executives from Parallels (virtualization), SEP (data backup and recovery) and Univention (Linux solutions) to grab the spotlight at the event. Open-Xchange also says there will be specific tracks for system integrators, SaaS providers and ISVs.
Sounds promising. But for Open-Xchange to broaden its appeal, the company will need to effectively position itself against Microsoft’s emerging Business Productivity Online Suite (which includes Exchange Online) plus a range of successful Exchange SaaS specialists — including Azaleos, Intermedia, and mindSHIFT’s groupSPARK business.
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I like the fact that OpenXchange does not host its software and leaves that opportunity to service providers. Seems like most of today’s major software providers want to go direct with SAAS.
Frankie: The VAR Guy likes your name and your reasoning.