<p>VMware (VMW) has sold Zimbra, its Microsoft (MSFT) Exchange alternative, to Telligent. The VAR Guy isn't shocked, considering VMware has been selling off non-core assets and Zimbra's website had barely been updated this year. But what exactly does Zimbra's sale mean to VMware and its channel partners? Here's the analysis.</p><p>First, a history lesson. VMware acquired Zimbra, an open source email platform, from Yahoo in January 2010. VMware's original goal was to promote Zimbra on-premises and through cloud services providers -- especially heads-up vs. Microsoft Exchange. In some ways the strategy worked. By January 2013, Zimbra was considered a surprise alternative to Microsoft Office 365 and Google Apps in government markets. Recent Silence</p><p>But the wins didn't come often enough. By February 2013, The VAR Guy openly speculated about whether VMware would keep or sell Zimbra. By May 2013, The VAR Guy wondered if Zimbra would surface in VMware's vCloud Hybrid Service. But nothing ever came of it. Clearly, VMware was shopping Zimbra.</p><p>And now Telligent -- which focuses on enterprise social software -- has acquired Zimbra. And going forward, Telligent will be known as Zimbra. Telligent CEO Patrick Brandt will lead the combined company. It sounds like Intel Capital, NXT Capital Venture Finance, BDCA, Hall Financial Group and VMware will each invest in the new Zimbra -- which offers a "unified social collaboration suite built for the post-PC era."</p><p><a href="http://thevarguy.com/open-source-application-software-companies/vmware-sells-zimbra-microsoft-exchange-rival-telligent">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://www.sys-con.com/node/2736493">VMware Sells Zimbra to Telligent</a> (SYS-CON Media (press release))</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=d0B3pWLFsf_b3XMgotKDLF_HkBnOM&ned=us">16 additional articles.</a></p>