Microsoft Exchange alternative Open-Xchange has launched a new tool to help VARs migrate user data off Outlook and into the open source messaging server. Here’s the scoop.

The tool sounds fairly basic, allowing VARs to upload the standard .PST personal data file from Microsoft Outlook on a local machine to Open-Xchange Server. It’s meant to ease enterprise-wide migration to the (potentially cheaper) Open-Xchange platform, but it can also be used by companies replacing costly Microsoft Outlook licenses with the Open-Xchange web client, according to the press release.

The advantage for VARs in either scenario, says Open-Xchange is that it’s easier to manage policy and compliance rules when all data’s centralized on the server. And once the data is migrated, Open-Xchange says it’s totally transparent to the end user, with all old messages and contacts still in place; it’s only where the data “lives” that’s changed.

It’s always difficult to measure the success of a privately held company. But apparently, Open-Xchange has built up some momentum in the fight against Microsoft Exchange. Tools like this are designed to make the choice a little easier for VARs on the fence between Redmond and open source.

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