When Microsoft officially launches Exchange Server 2003 on October 21, Apptix will be ready with its private-label version aimed at service providers. Actually, Sterling, Va.-based Apptix has been ready for a while and since July has been testing, at Microsoft’s request, a trial version of the hosted service.
A Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for Hosting and Applications Services, Apptix’s underlying technology driving the on-demand version of Exchange 2003 is its TECOS service management and automation software. TECOS is designed to allow service providers to quickly launch, provision, manage and support new software applications delivered over the net.
Exchange 2003 enhancement such as its capability to support Outlook client access using the standard HTTPS protocol, as well as its improved bandwidth efficiency also make the net-delivered model even more convenient and cost effective for end customers, according to Apptix.
Designed to coincide with Microsoft’s launch of Exchange 2003 in October, the trial service was created to allow companies to set up and administer a virtual Exchange organization with up to five trial mailboxes and test drive collaboration features, such as Group Calendar and shared Global Address List. The trial version can be accessed from the Microsoft Web site.
Apptix reports that it worked with partners HP and anti-virus-provider Trend Micro to develop the trial service and used its TECOS application management software for the online self sign-up process and to instantly provision fully functional trial Exchange 2003 mailboxes for users. TECOS manages the entire customer online provisioning cycle — from trial sign-up to credit-card billing.
“Our service provider customers are telling us that the on-demand Exchange 2003 solution provides what their enterprise customers want: easy-to-deploy, easy-to-use e-mail and collaboration services that can be accessed from anywhere,” said Alex Hawkinson, CEO of Apptix.
