Alternatives to Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Mail

[Guggly]

Hi All! I'm looking for something to use internally on a work network for mail.

I know that there are LOTS of POP3 or IMAP options available, but for various reasons I'm hoping not to have to go that route. What I'm looking for is something that offers the same functionality that Microsoft Mail did, but hopefully not quite as huge as Microsoft Exchange (there must be some kind of small-scale alternative to Exchange, at least I hope .
I am aware that it's still possible to get Outlook to use MSMail, but considering how old MSMail is, I think that it's high time to find an alternative.

Oh yes, this has to be usable by Outlook (XP/2003), it can't be a standalone mail program, but rather a mail service that Outlook can use, presumably with the "Add a new e-mail account--Additional Server Types" option.

Thanks for any advice! -- Mike

 

[tf1]

Type in Mail Server into Google and see the hits. There are many alternatives to Exchange Server. Many are quite small and simple too. However, my experience of these is that more and more add-ons are bolted on to provide more and more must-have functionality until you may as well have started with Exchange anyway!

So as long as you really do keep it basic, there are plenty out there.


Regards: tf1

 

[Guggly]

Thanks! The problem is that it seems that these are almost all POP3 servers, but I'm hoping to avoid the POP3 route.

I'm leaning towards Exchange Server Standard edition now. My only hesitation is a question of whether or not it's worth it for a small user base (under 10 users), used solely for internal mail.
I'm sure Exchange will work fine, but what kind of a resource hog is it? Would it be a waste to install Exchange Server 2003 Standard edition just for mail for a few users?

Thanks! -- Mike

 

[fumei]

To the last question, while some may disagree, IMHO...the answer is yes, it is a hog and a waste for a few users.

Gerry

 

[Guggly]

Thanks! I guess we'll have to weigh up our options then, and see how things stand! -- Mike