9 of the Best Free Linux Groupware Software

Groupware software (or collaborative software) is designed to enable users to collaborate, regardless of location, via the internet or a corporate intranet and to work together in a virtual atmosphere.

The efficiency of a organisation can be greatly enhanced by the effective deployment of groupware software. Ccollaborative applications help to integrate project work so that a group can achieve their tasks and objectives. The term groupware is wide-ranging spanning communications tools (such as email), conferencing tools, and management tools.

Groupware solutions heavy on the feature-set are often not suitable for more than a few hundred users. However, software which offers only basic groupware functionalities, such as e-mail, contact and calendaring, are likely to meet the requirements of large deployments.

This type of software is particularly important to businesses, service providers and email hosters.

The Linux platform offers an impressive set of collaboration software. This type of software often includes messaging functionality, support for the popular mail protocols (such as STMP, IMAP, and POP3), and organisational tools including a calendar.

The standard medium for accessing a groupware account is via a web browser.

To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 9 excellent groupware servers. We have included web based solutions as well as classic client-server solutions.

Now, let's explore the 9 groupware servers at hand. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, providing a screenshot of the software in action, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources and reviews.

Return to our complete collection of Group Tests, identifying the finest Linux software.

Last Updated Sunday, April 08 2012 @ 09:56 AM EDT