[horde] greetings - some quick questions

[Tim Streit]

On Jun 11, 2014, at 3:38 PM, Michael J Rubinsky <mrubinsk at horde.org> wrote:

>> You can purchase licenses from Microsoft for using the ActiveSync
>> protocol.  There is an initial deposit, and they you pay per mailbox
>> (which inititally comes from the deposit).  I'm not familiar with Zarafa,
>> but Zimbra does not include ActiveSync support in the free version.
> 
> For ActiveSync, it is my understanding that for a *server* (like Horde's groupware stack) the license fees are not per user, but per server. Client software I believe is per user. Additionally, it is also my understanding that it is the provider of the software that is responsible for selling the licenses (again, this would be Horde).
> 
> We have looked into the possibility of providing licenses for ActiveSync, but there needs to be a large enough demand for the licenses in order for us to recoup the initial, very substantial, up-front royalty fees that would be due to Microsoft.
> 
> Zarafa's Z-Push, as well as any other EAS implementation is also subject to the same restrictions as Horde when used in the US. It is my guess that since they are not physically located in the US and they don't allow the source to be hosted on US servers, they have decided to ignore the patent issue.

I can't speak for everyone, but EAS is awfully nice.  I mean, one protocol covers push mail, calendar, notes, tasks, contacts, etc.  Its a great tool.  I would buy licenses for this for using it via Horde.  I think its a no brainer.  That being said, if it is charged out at regular M$ prices, it might be better to say screw it and start pushing the imap/syncml/webdav/carddav route.  I'd rather do EAS tho…