Scalix has announced Scalix Connect for Evolution, an open source connector that allows end users to tap the full range of functionality offered in Novell Evolution, when used in conjunction with the Scalix Server. The lack of adequate email and calendaring solutions on the Linux desktop has been cited as a gating factor in the broad adoption of Linux desktops.

Novell Evolution is one of the most popular and advanced email and collaboration clients on the Linux desktop. Scalix's investment in an open source project that supports the advanced email, calendaring and collaboration features in Evolution should go a long way toward bridging this gap for many organizations. Scalix Connect also ensures full interoperability between Novell Evolution and other Scalix supported clients, including MS Outlook, wireless email clients including BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and Palm OS devices, and Scalix's award winning AJAX client, Scalix Web Access (SWA). The combination of SWA and Scalix Connect for Evolution makes for a compelling offering for Linux desktop users. SWA also runs on the Linux desktop, in addition to Windows and Macintosh.

"With the release of the new connector for the Evolution mail client, Scalix provides full desktop email interoperability between Windows and Linux," said Thomas Uhl, CEO and President, Topalis. "This level of cross platform functionality is unique in the market and will help to make the switch from Windows to Linux much easier."

Scalix Connect for Evolution provides full-function connectivity between Novell Evolution and the Scalix Server. Among the advanced features included in it are:
* Calendaring and group scheduling, including free/busy lookup
* Public folder support
* Offline email support
* Full support for Evolution address book and contacts, including public distribution lists
* Integrated email, calendar and directory services
* Full interoperability (rich email, calendaring, group scheduling and public folders) with other Scalix supported clients (Outlook and Scalix Web Access)

Compatible with Evolution 2.4.x, the source code for the Scalix Connect for Evolution project is available for download from GNOME CVS. An executable version for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 and Fedora Core 4, as well as the source code, can be downloaded from the Scalix web site.

"We want to give Linux desktop email users equal footing with Windows users where email and collaboration are concerned," said Julie Hanna Farris, Scalix founder and chief strategy officer. "Our hope is that this fills a missing link that will make the Linux desktop a more viable alternative for organizations everywhere."