[OGo-Users] Some impressions and comments about OGo

[Mark Pavlichuk]

  I've been playing with OGo for a little while so I thought I'd share 
some impressions and comments.  Please don't read this negatively...  
the only reason I've bothered emailing is because OGo seems so close to 
what I want.

  I personally found it hard to get OGo running.  It didn't stop me from 
installing it, but the process was involved and error prone enough for 
me to not want to do it again - I even wrote install scripts so I 
wouldn't have to.  Life would have been easier if I installed 
InstantOgo, but I work with small/medium businesses who like everything 
on one box (though I suppose virtualisation may be a valid option in 
that kind of environment).

  I installed OGo initially because I had read it worked with Sunbird 
over CalDAV - yes, I'm another one of these people looking for an open 
source Exchange.  Even though I'd happily sell Outlook connectors to 
clients I want a calendar server I can use in a Linux client/server 
environment myself.  I understand CalDAV is horribly complex, but the 
first server to connect to a CalDAV/GroupDAV client reliably will 
collect a HUGE number of users.  GroupDAV probably won't be implemented 
on a client before CalDAV is, so if OpenGroupware waits for a GroupDAV 
client it will have lost first-mover advantage.  Not only that, but it 
will sound inferior to potential new users as GroupDAV is a subset of 
CalDAV (even if CalDAV turns out to be less stable in early 
implementations).

  I think Skyrix could do a few extra things to get $$$'s.  Yes, the 
Outlook connector and support options are good, but Digium/Asterisk has 
fostered an industry around itself - Skyrix should attempt to do the 
same.  Customisation of OGo themes would be the first I'd consider.  It 
would be easy to outsource, and some corporate types will pay a fortune 
to customise their intranets to a company theme.  Training organisations 
often buy copyrighted training/lesson plans etc.. that Skyrix has 
probably already developed.  Resellers might be in the market for 
off-the-shelf quality marketing materials and/or user manual 
hardcopies.  Also, if offering an extra service or product to customers 
seems like too much hassle, raise the price until your objections 
disappear.  ;)

  Anyway, it's late...  and this email is too long.  :)

-Mark