NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: MICHAEL OSTERMAN ON MESSAGING 11/04/04 Today's focus: How important is the desktop client?
Dear [EMAIL PROTECTED], In this issue: * Desktop client anchors enterprise messaging systems * Links related to Messaging * Featured reader resource _______________________________________________________________ This newsletter is sponsored by SBC Gimme Shelter! Converged Services Spell Relief For Beleaguered Network Managers Switched IP networks are rapidly becoming the corporate communications architecture of choice. By converging voice, data and video onto IP telephony platforms and Virtual Private Networks, enterprises can supply bandwidth when and where end users need it, while significantly lowering administrative and equipment costs. Click here to download this Whitepaper now http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=85976 _______________________________________________________________ What will the headline be when your network is hit? Unfortunately--protected or not--no network is exempt from an attack. The only difference between those spared damage and those thrust into chaos will be the security strategies you prepare in advance. The solutions you implement early. And the leadership you show ahead of coming threats. Here's what to do now before you make headlines: Attend "Network Security: Structuring an Aggressive Defense." http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=86148 _______________________________________________________________ Today's focus: How important is the desktop client? By Michael Osterman The majority of enterprise e-mail users employ Microsoft Outlook as their desktop client, but a variety of other clients are used as well - including Lotus Notes, Eudora, Novell GroupWise and so forth. When evaluating messaging systems, how important is the desktop client in making a decision about which messaging system to choose? We have just concluded a study of messaging systems and found that what's on the desktop is an extremely important decision factor in evaluating new messaging systems. We asked more than 100 respondents in North America about the likelihood of replacing their back-end messaging infrastructure with one that provides significantly better performance, better server loading, lower cost of ownership or other advantages. If the desktop client had to be replaced in the new messaging system, only 11% of respondents indicated that they would very likely or definitely switch messaging systems. However, if the desktop client could be retained, the number of organizations that would very likely or definitely switch jumped to 42%. These results are similar to those that we discovered in a study that asked these questions last year. What this means is that the desktop is an anchor of sorts for a large percentage of enterprises. While a new messaging system may offer a number of important advantages over an existing system, without the new system's ability to support the existing desktop infrastructure it has far less chance of being sold into the enterprise. This makes sense in the context of the high cost of replacing the desktop client, the high cost of retraining users and adding more help desk staff, and so forth. The good news for enterprises is that there is a growing number of alternative messaging systems that support Outlook, providing much or all of the functionality of Outlook's e-mail, calendaring, task management and collaboration features to which users have become accustomed. Depending on the enterprise and its messaging and collaboration needs, some of these systems might be worth a look. _______________________________________________________________ To contact: Michael Osterman Michael D. Osterman is the principal of Osterman Research <http://www.ostermanresearch.com/>, a market research firm that helps organizations understand the markets for messaging, directory and related products and services. He can be reached by clicking here <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> _______________________________________________________________ This newsletter is sponsored by SBC Gimme Shelter! Converged Services Spell Relief For Beleaguered Network Managers Switched IP networks are rapidly becoming the corporate communications architecture of choice. By converging voice, data and video onto IP telephony platforms and Virtual Private Networks, enterprises can supply bandwidth when and where end users need it, while significantly lowering administrative and equipment costs. Click here to download this Whitepaper now http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=85975 _______________________________________________________________ ARCHIVE LINKS Archive of the Messaging newsletter: http://www.nwfusion.com/newsletters/gwm/index.html _______________________________________________________________ If your legacy network works well, why put in a hosted VoIP solution? While hosted voice is attractive, consumers are still searching to understand the true value behind hosted VoIP. If legacy networks work then why rip and replace with a new solution? View this webcast hosted by IDC now for more information. http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=86149 _______________________________________________________________ FEATURED READER RESOURCE NEW! Website dedicated to Networking for Small Business now available The editors of NW Fusion and PC World have combined all their expert advice, authority, and know-how into a powerful new tool for small businesses, the new Networking for Small Business website. Get news, how-to's, product reviews, and expert advice specifically tailored to your small business needs. Find help with Security, Broadband, Networking, Hardware, Software, and Wireless & Mobile technology at: <http://www.networkingsmallbusiness.com/> _______________________________________________________________ May We Send You a Free Print Subscription? You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered at your fingertips each day. Now, extend your knowledge by receiving 51 FREE issues to our print publication. 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