Why Are You NOT Using FreeBSD ?

[Daniel Kalchev]

On 05.06.12 07:33, Zane C. B-H. wrote:

[on Exchange wiping devices]
>  From a enterprise perspective, it makes sense. Lets say a device goes
> missing, it allows one to wipe it the next time it calls home.

This is supposed to be handled by the device management software. Not by 
your e-mail server. Because it does not belong to the mail server, this 
is why you will not find this functionality implemented in any "open" 
mail server or calendaring or groupware software.

As you involved "enterprise" and your previous statement on Apple, they 
"surprisingly" do have such device deployment and management solution. 
You can either use their own Apple Configurator, or any third party MDM 
as described in http://www.apple.com/ipad/business/integration/mdm/. I 
would not call this technique "proprietary". Ok, it only works on iOS ;)

> The usefulness of such a feature is better disconnected from the
> debate of proprietary v. non-proprietary though, given the different
> nature of both issues.

With this I fully agree. I hope you too agree, than when you disconnect 
the e-mail handling features of Exchange, from the lock-in technology 
Microsoft integrated there (ActiveSync), Exchange is no different than 
any other non-proprietary mail server.

The point here is that in order to have more freedom, one has to set 
expectations and setups right, from the begining. Separate the MDM and 
e-mail functionality and you are no longer locked with Microsoft or 
anyone. You can easily replace each component of your system and use the 
best software for the task. Not make compromises.

Daniel

PS: Yes, I don't like Microsoft's offerings. I understand why they do 
this, but this doesn't mean I agree and since I have plenty of other 
choices... I prefer the best. My enterprise(s) have been running on BSD 
UNIX for good over 20 years now. No Microsoft stuff. Not needed, not missed.