Open-Xchange has announced the availability of a completely redeveloped connector that enables users of its open source Open-Xchange e-mail and collaboration server to use Microsoft Outlook as the client software.

The Open-Xchange alternative to the more expensive Microsoft Exchange server integrates e-mail, calendar, contact and task management with advanced groupware features, such as information management and document sharing, along with cutting-edge social network integration.

Outlook users can manage e-mails, calendars, contacts and tasks with their familiar client, while the new software connector ensures real-time synchronization with Open-Xchange server in the background.

"Support for Microsoft Outlook as an e-mail and PIM (personal information manager) client still is a ´must have´ for a lot of mid-size businesses and large enterprises," said Rafael Laguna, CEO of Open-Xchange. "The new connector is completely directed towards Microsoft´s MAPI technology to ensure end users don't even need to know what server is used."

Development of the OXtender 2 for Microsoft Outlook was done in coperation with VIPcom, an Open-Xchange Technology Partner and MAPI (Messaging Application Programming Interface) protocol specialist based in Munich. The MAPI protocol handles access to other applications. With MAPI support of OXtender 2 for Microsft Outlook, Windows users can e-mail files directly in their Explorer file manager through Open-Xchange server. The software connector supports Microsoft Outlook 2003, Microsoft Outlook 2007 and the 32-bit version of Outlook 2010.

New features and benefits of OXtender 2 for MS Outlook include:

• E-mail push synchronization

• Calendar, tasks and contacts push synchronization (including distribution lists, pictures and attachments)
• Public, private and shared folders synchronization
• Synchronization of public, private and shared address books
• Distribution list synchronization
• Categories and reminder setting synchronization
• Free/Busy function in Microsoft Outlook to schedule appointments
• Labels designating personal (private) appointments in Microsoft Outlook
• Changes to personal settings in Microsoft Outlook (such as e-mail signature)
• Password changes in Microsoft Outlook
• Changes to e-mail filter rules in Microsoft Outlook
• Vacation notice changes in Microsoft Outlook
• Offline/Online Synchronization: Any changes that are made using Microsoft Outlook offline will be automatically synchronized the next time the user is online
• Confirmation status for appointments (accepted, declined, tentative)

With OXtender 2 for Microsoft Outlook, users can continue to manage their e-mails, contacts, calendars and tasks in their familiar Outlook client. All changes are transferred to Open-Xchange server and will be stored there safely. Once there is no Internet connection available, users can keep on working with their Outlook client. As soon as they are connected again to their Open-Xchange server, all changes will be synchronized automatically. Open-Xchange and certified partners support companies and organizations switching to Open-Xchange server with free migration tools and professional migration services.

Business and private E-Mail integrated in one in a clearly laid-out application

Open-Xchange gives users the ability to consolidate any kind of existing webmail accounts - for example from Google and Yahoo - into a folder in Open-Xchange so they can be managed more easily. Plus, contact details from social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Xing can be added automatically to the Open-Xchange address book - giving users easy access to the latest contact information within their personal network.

For more information and evaluation of OXtender 2 for Microsoft Outlook, visit

www.open-xchange.com/en/products/oxtender/outlook-oxtender.