[LMStone]

Originally Posted by Reado

I am looking to migrate from SBS 2003 w/ Exchange 2003 to Zimbra. I have been advised Zimbra is sold with a minimum of 25 CALs.

Our current installation w/ 5 CALs initially cost us £250. The new SBS 2008 w/ 5 CALs costs about £550.

According to the Microsoft site an additional 20 CALs for SBS 2003 is $2,761 for the Software Assurance option, which equates to about £1,688. So the total price for an SBS 2003 installation of 25 CALs is £1,938.

No doubt SBS 2008 CALs will be more expensive again.

Can anyone tell me how Zimbra's pricing compares to these figures please?

Thanks in advance.

Full Disclosure: We are a Zimbra Hosting Partner.

Zimbra's business model as we understand it is that companies can purchase blocks of Zimbra licenses direct from Zimbra (subject to minimum quantities) for self-hosting.

Companies not wishing to self-host, smaller companies with just a few mailboxes, or companies with special needs can be served by a Zimbra Hosting Partner.

The list of Partners is here.

Some Partners also assist clients with self-hosted Zimbra, as we do.

I'd suggest calling Zimbra Sales first to see if licensing from Zimbra directly makes sense for you, and if not, then call a few Partners and see what your options are there.

Hope that helps,
Mark