Obsidian has been appointed as a value-added reseller for Zimbra in SA.
Zimbra is a next-generation, open source messaging and collaboration suite. It provides a set of end-user and administrator benefits that make it a flexible solution for deployments of all sizes, from SMEs to multi-thousand seat enterprises.
Muggie van Staden, MD of Obsidian, says Zimbra is not based on any existing collaboration server and does not try to emulate what is already available in the market. "Instead, Zimbra offers a new approach to messaging and collaboration."
He says the collaboration suite offered by Zimbra brings together calendaring, e-mail, instant messaging, voice over IP and other tools, combining them in an online platform. It provides an Ajax, Web-based interface that can be accessed from anywhere via a Web browser and also integrates with a variety of desktop clients, including Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail and more.
"Zimbra is compatible with many environments," says Van Staden. "The server can run off OS X or Linux and the front-end is available in those two environments as well as Windows. It can then be incorporated into virtually any stack using 'zimlets'."
With this approach, Zimbra can be integrated with, for example, an ERP system, and recognise text strings in e-mail and instant messages. "Hover over a phone number, for example, and Zimbra will pop up a menu offering to call the number in Skype. Hover over a sales order number and Zimbra will pop up details of the sale and allow for it to be approved or denied - from within the e-mail or instant message.
"Obsidian believes this technology will make inroads into the South African market and has a lot to offer in the local context," adds Van Staden. "Also, because it is an open source solution, it can be easily adapted to the specific needs of South African customers."
Related story:
Datatec, Westcon create Cisco unit
Share