Kolab from individual components

[Alexander Schröter]

Am 16.03.2010 22:33, schrieb Promani NV:
> Hello,
>
> I'm researching the possibility to use Kolab to replace
> an Exchange server (OK that's what everyone probably wants).
> On the client side I've tried Bynari with a regular IMAP
> server. I would also like to use Horde.
>
> However, I do have most of Kolab's components already running
> on another server and spend a lot of time configuring. It would
> be a shame to throw away all the tweaking work, so I'd like to
> know what 'added value' Kolab provides over the individual
> components and has anyone "cloned" Kolab on their own? Is
> this a doable thing (eg are LDAP schemes available and how
> would the free/busy be handled, etc).
>
> Regards,
> Joris
>    
Hi I know what you mean and I have been thinking a lot about this.

I started out with a kolab installation with openpkg. But soon I ran 
into problems regarding the openpkg packages and their lack of easy 
installable/updateable packages that I want to use or try. So I did a 
lot of fiddeling around till I finaly came to the conclusion that this 
could not be the right way.

So my next step was the debian native package, which I think (of course 
for your distribution) could be an option for you. I guess it would be 
your job to merge your existing configuration with the one from the 
package. But keep in mind that changing the configuration (even though 
you think of it as tweaking) has its drawbacks and you might break the 
system. Kolab is a real beast with lots of components which would also 
get updated and this would then depends on your distribution.

I now reached a compromise where I am using the openpkg packages but 
have a couple of them replaced with native packages. So far *knock on 
wood* all works fine. And I have the advantage of the support through 
the kolab community because I basicly use openpkg and can update kolab 
like everybody else with each release but also the advantage of adding 
components from standard debian packages as long as I am willing to work 
on integrating them into the system.

I advise trying it out on a testsystem, and I mean both native and 
openpkg. There are definitly parts which are easy to exchange but 
keeping them work together is the challenge. To answer your question I 
think it would be doable but in my opinion (of course everybody has to 
decide for himself) not recommendet.

However, good luck.
Alexander