Why Zimbra so expensive?

[hvle]

According to a comparison chart on Tech Republic, the cost of Zimbra surpassed cost of MS exchange after 4, 5 years.

Zimbra's support is also limited with amount of annual license cost.

Why do I consider Zimbra?

Price comparison: Zimbra vs. Exchange, from Justin James - Downloads - TechRepublic

[Veidit]

The Opensource version is free, but you don't get all the features unless you pay for it (unfortunatly)

Well I use the opensource version for my own personal domains. I have been asked to host other companies mail but there I feel that the price is to steep per mailbox.

[jholder]

Well, perhaps this question would be better phrased: "Why is Exchange so cheap?"

Feature
Zimbra/Exchange

Mashups & Zimlets
Yes/No

Docs with SpreadSheets
Yes/No

Open Operating Systems
Yes/No

Instant Messaging
Yes (beta) / No

Standards complaint
Yes / "What's a standard?"

Advanced Search
Yes/No

Mobile HTML Client
Yes/No

Apple iSync Connect
Yes/No (none that I could find)

Convert docs to HTML
Yes/No

Now, Why is exchange cheap? Well, Just ask Microsoft (see here: Microsoft's curious infatuation with Zimbra, redux | The Open Road - The Business and Politics of Open Source by Matt Asay - CNET Blogs

"Microsoft lists several Zimbra strengths that sound much more compelling than its defense of Exchange 2007:

• The open-source-software components [used by Zimbra] are proven solutions by themselves, many with large existing user bases (MySQL, OpenLDAP, Apache, PHP, SpamAssassin).
• Its' class of service architecture allows for simple tiered access to services.
• Searching via their Web interface is fast and robust (AJAX query builder).
• The Verity HTML converter allows for fast rendering of 200 documents to HTML.
• Zimlets, can provide a more interactive user experience compared to the Microsoft equivalent of SmartTags.
• The Documents solution provides integrated wiki-document sharing with powerful embedded document features.
• The AJAX interface is pleasing and has a "wow" [The wow is now?] factor due to speed and Zimlets. Additionally, its' [sic] interface is identical across Internet Explorer/Firefox/Opera.

We don't provide a product that sacrifices the user experience. If you're interested in the cheapest, then there are many options. If you want the best, then it's Zimbra.

BTW: They the spreadsheet is a bunch of FUD. They assume you're not upgrading for 4 years, which is fine for windows users. We all know how long it takes to get a New release. However, each time, you pay a license cost. With Zimbra, upgrades are free.

[hvle]

I understand Zimbra have a list of features I can't find in Exchange. But I have 2 points that I like to make

1. People turn away from Exchange because they are sick of Microsoft's dominance and pricey tags.
2. You can't add extra features to your product and raise price and force users to pay for thing they don't need.


This really make me think twice about moving to Zimbra.

[jholder]

Originally Posted by hvle

This really make me think twice about moving to Zimbra.

Great! I'm really glad you're thinking twice about it. Zimbra is an investment not to be taken lightly.

You should always think twice about investments.

[hvle]

Originally Posted by jholder

You should always think twice about investments.

Thanks for you reply and earlier reply.

Since you're here, I have a quick question:
Can you combine professional account and free account in one zimbra server?
IE: you have 50 users using outlook and some others simply use imap/pop without outlook features without buying more than 50 professional /standard licenses?

thanks

[jholder]

No-
Because of the server architecture, the server it self must have either an Open Source edition or Network Edition.

You can, however, set up 2 separate servers with LDAP external auth against the FOSS server-but you won't be able to live backup those accounts (The FOSS accounts)

[hvle]

Originally Posted by jholder

No-
Because of the server architecture, the server it self must have either an Open Source edition or Network Edition.

You can, however, set up 2 separate servers with LDAP external auth against the FOSS server-but you won't be able to live backup those accounts (The FOSS accounts)

Thanks mate.

[jholder]

Sure, and good luck.

[king0770]

Excellent write up on the cost analysis John!