CommuniGate Unveils Clustered Version of Collaboration Software

Published: March 7, 2006

by Alex Woodie

Small and medium-sized companies looking to implement a robust collaboration platform that can support new services such as voice over IP (VoIP) and "presence awareness" via the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), but without breaking the bank, may want to check out CommuniGate Pro Micro Dynamic Cluster, which was unveiled last week by CommuniGate Systems (formerly Stalker Software).

CGP Micro Dynamic Cluster is one of two clustered version of the tried and true CommuniGate server software, which runs on OS/400, Unix, Windows, Linux, and a couple dozen other operating systems. With an array of features, building on its e-mail and calendaring capabilities, CommuniGate Pro is an established alternative to higher-priced collaboration solutions from IBM and Microsoft.

When installed on two similarly equipped servers, CGP Micro Dynamic Cluster implements an active-active cluster, and can provide 99.999 percent uptime, the Northern California company claims. The advantage of the Micro Dynamics Cluster approach is that, when needed, additional front-end servers--such as those used for VoIP or SIP service, or additional backend servers--can be added by using the software's "rolling updates" feature. For a limited time, the company is selling licenses to CGP Micro Dynamic Cluster for $7,999, which covers two servers and up to 100 user accounts.