Bangalore-based DeepRoot Linux has come out with its 'DeepOfix' messaging server, which it calls a "complete, flexible and easy-to-use messaging platform".

"It handles e-mail, fights spam and scans your mail. What most solutions take a week to do, our software does in 35 minutes. It has the ability to track e-mail, so that you know whether an e-mail you've sent has reached the receiver or not," Abhas Abhinav, who heads DeepRoot, told IANS here.

"It makes messaging and e-mail much more efficient for an organisation. It's based on (the alternative operating system) GNU/Linux, yet it is simple enough for someone who has never used GNU/Linux in one's life," said Abhinav.

The 28-year-old says his firm, which builds tools on - and in - Free Software, wanted to offer affordable solutions in the vital messaging sector for firms, which would otherwise have to go in for software based on tools like Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Notes "that can be very costly".

This solution also offers Web-based access to e-mail, security for multiple security protocols, LDAP-based address books, e-mail distribution lists, private instant messaging, anti-virus software integration, server monitoring, e-mail tracking facilities, mailbox migration tools, support for unlimited users, multiple e-mail domains and compatibility with all standards-based mail clients.

DeepRoot promises "high availability" solutions and the "most cost-effective solutions". Besides, its software is sold without any pre-user licences. Instead, server charges are only on a per-server basis.

"Our cost is Rs 60,000 per corporate user. For NGOs, we offer the product at Rs.35,000-45,000 as a one-time cost. Continuing support comes at 20 percent of the total cost per annum," said Abhinav.

He said that inquiries had been received from Britain, South America and the Middle East, but added: "We simply don't have the resources to support a marketing system there right now. In the next 6 to 9 months, we hope to achieve this."

DeepRoot Linux has an 11-member staff and is one of the young innovative firms working out of Bangalore.