Open-Xchange announces the availability of the latest release of software that enables hosters and SaaS providers to replace Plesk Webmail in shared hosting environments with Open-Xchange business-class e-mail and groupware, which provides users with additional PIM (Personal Information Management) features at no extra cost, as well as options to move to full groupware and support for their mobile devices.

The software called 4PSA OXtender for Plesk is an extension developed and supported by 4PSA that facilitates the transition to the AJAX-based web interface from Open-Xchange. It  offers users additional groupware functionality and enables hosters to add Open-Xchange to Parallels Plesk Server at a flat fee. It simplifies Open-Xchange deployment and significantly reduces set up time. Provisioning of Open-Xchange is fast and easy using the Plesk web interface. In addition, all changes made in Plesk by users such as password changes, mailbox renames and removals are automated by the connector.

New features and benefits of 4PSA OXtender for Plesk include:

• Support for the recently released Parallels Plesk Panel 10
• Improved manageability, including the ability to set up the Open-Xchange document storage size, language and timezone individually for different Plesk customers.
• Improved administration, such as better logging and debugging facilities that allow administrators to spot issues even before they are noticed by users.
• Better integration so that customers using dedicated servers powered by Parallels Plesk Panel can be connected to a shared Open-Xchange environment, which provides them with cost-effective and reliable e-mail and groupware.

"Open-Xchange offers a great, yet simple business model for hosters and service providers using Parallels Plesk Panel to deliver true business-class e-mail features, including groupware, social networks-enabled collaboration and mobile sync solutions," said Rafael Laguna, CEO of Open-Xchange. "Rich e-mail is a crucial step for service providers that want to build ARPU (average revenue per user) and enhance stickiness of their services."

"Parallels Plesk Panel 10 reduces the complexity involved with running a hosting business and provides hosting end users with access to a catalog of commercial and open source applications," said Bryan Goode, vice president and general manager for Parallels Marketplace. "Open-Xchange´s integration with Plesk is a quick and easy way for hosters to offer business-class e-mail."

"Replacing old webmail and offering feature-rich and collaborative e-mail for all existing e-mail accounts is a very cost-effective way for Plesk hosters and resellers to enter the fast-growing SaaS collaboration and messaging market with minimal risk and investment," said Bogdan Carstoiu, CEO of 4PSA. "4PSA OXtender for Plesk is the easiest way for hosters to remain competitive - without changing their existing e-mail infrastructure."

Open-Xchange is the only groupware specifically designed to meet the needs of SaaS providers. Open-Xchange will grow its number of users to more than 24 million people worldwide in 2010 - an increase of 60 percent. SaaS partners include 1&1 Internet - the #1 hosting company worldwide, Network Solutions - the #3 hosting company in the U.S., Versatel (Germany), Dotster (U. S.) and Hostpoint - the #1 hosting company in Switzerland.

Availability
4PSA OXtender for Plesk supports both shared hosting and dedicated hosting environments. It is compatible with Plesk 8.3 or later under Linux/Unix. The software license includes Open-Xchange Webmail, as well as maintenance subscription support. It can be purchased from 4PSA or Open-Xchange. For more information, please visit www.open-xchange.com/en/4psa-oxtender-for-plesk-en.

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