GFI Software has rolled out a major update to its KerioConnect platform, underscoring its commitment to empowering SMB teams with secure, on-premise collaboration tools. The Austin, Texas-based software maker announced the release on December 13, 2022, highlighting several integrations and improvements that enhance how customers work across devices and apps. The new version emphasizes faster search via a Microsoft Outlook extension, expanded ActiveSync support for mobile collaboration, and a fresh calendar integration with Microsoft Teams, all designed to help users get their work done more efficiently, regardless of the device or app they prefer.
GFI KerioConnect, long regarded by many as a secure and flexible on-premise email solution for the SMB segment, is positioned to strengthen its appeal through these enhancements. The company notes that existing customers will gain access to all upgraded features at no additional cost, reinforcing the value proposition of choosing GFI solutions. With thousands of SMBs already relying on KerioConnect as a mail server and a comprehensive business communications and collaboration tool, the release underscores the platform’s role as the leading on-premise alternative to cloud email solutions for small and mid-sized organizations. The update comes in the context of a year marked by eight powerful features and innovations that broaden KerioConnect’s scope, usability, and adaptability for diverse business requirements.
Enhanced Search Capabilities and Outlook Integration
The updated KerioConnect dramatically improves search performance within the Microsoft Outlook extension, delivering claims of up to six times faster search results. This enhancement is central to boosting productivity for SMB teams that rely on rapid access to emails, attachments, calendars, and contacts. In practical terms, the faster search translates into shorter task cycles, quicker decision-making, and reduced time spent navigating through large volumes of correspondence. SMB teams often juggle multiple projects, client communications, and internal workflows; in this context, even modest gains in search speed can translate into meaningful efficiency gains across departments such as sales, finance, operations, and customer support.
The Outlook extension remains a critical touchpoint for KerioConnect users who prefer desktop email clients, ensuring seamless indexing and retrieval without sacrificing the security and control associated with an on-prem solution. By optimizing how users locate information, the update reinforces KerioConnect’s core promise: reliable performance that scales with a growing SMB’s needs. The enhanced search also supports more fluid collaboration, as teams can quickly locate prior conversations, historical decisions, and shared files, enabling faster follow-ups and better context in ongoing projects. The integration is designed to be intuitive, minimizing the learning curve for both long-time users and new adopters who are migrating from other platforms.
From a broader perspective, the improved search aligns with KerioConnect’s overarching objective to provide enterprise-grade capabilities within an SMB-friendly framework. The faster search experience helps reduce resistance to adopting robust collaboration tools, particularly for organizations that require data residency, security controls, and granular administration. By delivering this capability through the Outlook extension, KerioConnect ensures compatibility with widely used email workflows while preserving the advantages of an on-prem environment, such as centralized data governance, streamlined compliance, and controlled update cycles. The net effect is a smoother user experience that accelerates everyday tasks, improves accuracy in information retrieval, and strengthens the overall efficiency of SMB teams.
In addition to the direct usability benefits, the enhanced search contributes to a more scalable IT footprint. As teams expand and archives grow, the system’s ability to deliver rapid results without compromising security or performance becomes increasingly valuable. The update also paves the way for further refinements in search relevance, indexing, and offline access, enabling KerioConnect to maintain a competitive edge in a market where speed, reliability, and control are critical differentiators. For administrators, the improved search reduces helpdesk inquiries related to slow email retrieval, and it can contribute to a more predictable support workload by lowering the frequency of performance-related escalations.
In summary, the enhanced search functionality embedded in the Outlook extension represents a practical, measurable improvement for SMB users. It directly supports faster decision-making, improved collaboration, and a more responsive user experience, all while maintaining KerioConnect’s on-prem security posture. As organizations continue to navigate evolving work patterns and information demands, this feature serves as a cornerstone for a more efficient and productive SMB digital workspace.
Mobile Collaboration: Expanded ActiveSync Support
Another cornerstone of the new KerioConnect release is broader support for the latest version of ActiveSync, enabling seamless collaboration for mobile teams on the go. ActiveSync is a critical protocol for synchronizing email, calendars, contacts, and tasks across devices, and expanding compatibility ensures that SMB users can stay productive regardless of whether they are in the office, on the road, or working remotely. The updated support aims to deliver consistent, real-time synchronization, reducing lags and discrepancies between devices and helping teams maintain up-to-date information across their communication and scheduling tools.
With ActiveSync refreshed for the newest devices and platforms, KerioConnect enhances the reliability of mobile workflows. Teams can rely on up-to-date calendars, contact lists, and email threads as they move between smartphones, tablets, and desktop clients. This is especially important for field teams, sales representatives, project managers, and executives who frequently switch contexts throughout the day. The update emphasizes security-enhanced mobile access, reinforcing KerioConnect’s reputation for providing enterprise-grade protection within an on-prem framework. For IT administrators, expanded ActiveSync support means easier policy enforcement, centralized control over device access, and the ability to implement consistent security and compliance standards across all endpoints.
The mobile collaboration improvements align with KerioConnect’s aim to deliver a versatile collaboration platform that adapts to diverse work styles. By ensuring that mobile users experience parity with their desktop counterparts, GFI reinforces the notion that productivity should be uninterrupted, whether teams are in a conference room, a client site, or traveling between locations. The combination of robust ActiveSync support and on-prem data governance provides SMBs with a compelling solution that balances mobility with security, control, and predictable expense.
From a strategic viewpoint, the ActiveSync enhancement strengthens KerioConnect’s position in a landscape where mobile productivity is increasingly non-negotiable. SMBs must support remote, hybrid, and flexible work arrangements without compromising data integrity or regulatory compliance. The updated ActiveSync capabilities help customers meet these demands while preserving the performance and reliability characteristic of on-prem deployments. IT teams benefit from standardized configurations, easier troubleshooting, and a clear upgrade path as new devices and platforms enter the market.
In practical terms, administrators gain confidence that mobile users can engage with the same calendars, contacts, and email content that drive in-office workflows. This reduces the risk of miscommunication and outdated information that can derail projects or client engagements. By prioritizing secure, consistent synchronization, KerioConnect supports a more cohesive and responsive organization—one that can coordinate across time zones, departments, and channels with minimal friction.
Calendar Harmony with Microsoft Teams
A fresh calendar integration with Microsoft Teams marks a significant step in bridging KerioConnect with one of the most widely used collaboration ecosystems in business today. The new Teams calendar integration is designed to streamline how meetings are scheduled, coordinated, and observed across the enterprise. This development aims to minimize scheduling conflicts, improve visibility into team calendars, and facilitate smoother collaboration between KerioConnect users and Teams participants. By aligning KerioConnect’s calendar data with Teams, SMBs gain a more unified approach to planning, communication, and execution.
The calendar integration is positioned to reduce the friction often associated with cross-tool collaboration. Users can plan and track meetings more efficiently, ensuring that attendees across different platforms stay aligned. For teams that rely on a mix of on-prem and cloud-based tools, such an integration helps maintain a cohesive work rhythm, enabling more proactive planning, fewer missed meetings, and quicker follow-through on action items. The result is a more synchronized workflow where calendars, meetings, and collaboration threads cohere around a shared schedule.
From an IT perspective, the Teams calendar integration contributes to a more streamlined governance model. Administrators can implement consistent access controls, data retention policies, and compliance measures across the integrated workflow. The integration also reinforces KerioConnect’s value proposition as an enterprise-grade, on-prem solution that still plays well with widely adopted cloud-based collaboration tools. For end users, the benefit is a more intuitive, familiar experience that reduces the learning curve and encourages broader adoption across teams.
The broader implication of this integration is a strengthened ability for SMBs to unite their communications and collaboration practices under a single, dependable platform. In a business environment that increasingly relies on real-time coordination and rapid response, having an integrated calendar ecosystem that spans KerioConnect and Teams can lead to more timely decisions, better resource management, and more effective remote or hybrid teamwork. The feature is designed not only to improve scheduling accuracy but also to enhance the visibility of team availability and project timelines, which in turn supports more efficient project management and client engagements.
As part of the year’s eight notable innovations, this calendar integration underscores KerioConnect’s ongoing commitment to interoperability and user-centric design. It reflects a broader strategy to deliver convenient, scalable tools that align with the way modern SMBs work—across devices, apps, and collaboration channels—without sacrificing the security and control inherent to an on-prem system.
Listening to Customers and Partners: The Heart of Continuous Innovation
GFI Software emphasizes that listening to customers and partners is central to its innovation strategy. The company’s leadership highlights that feedback from end users and channel partners guides the ongoing development of KerioConnect, ensuring that enhancements address real-world needs and workflows. This customer-centric approach helps translate user experiences into concrete product improvements, elevating the user experience and aligning product capabilities with the expectations of SMB teams.
The company-cited philosophy underscores a feedback loop wherein insights collected from diverse markets and use cases inform prioritization and feature design. By actively seeking input, KerioConnect can prioritize improvements that resonate across industries, from professional services and finance to education and non-profit sectors. The emphasis on stakeholder input helps ensure that new features are not only technically feasible but also practically valuable, solving common pain points and enabling teams to work more efficiently.
Beyond feature development, such an approach reinforces trust with customers by signaling that their voices influence the product roadmap. This collaborative dynamic can foster stronger customer loyalty, higher satisfaction, and greater advocacy as organizations experience tangible benefits from updates that reflect their needs. It also encourages partner ecosystems to contribute ideas and participate in the evolution of KerioConnect, aligning channel strategies with end-user demands.
From a strategic standpoint, prioritizing customer and partner feedback can contribute to a more resilient product, one that adapts to evolving security landscapes, changing compliance requirements, and shifting collaboration patterns. In a market where SMBs seek predictable costs and reliable performance, the willingness to incorporate user-driven enhancements can differentiate KerioConnect as a responsive, value-driven choice. This approach is consistent with the broader objective of building a platform that combines enterprise-grade capabilities with SMB-friendly usability and cost-effectiveness.
The outcome of this customer-centric philosophy is an expanded feature set that reflects a wide range of real-world scenarios. End users gain tools that directly impact daily operations, while IT teams benefit from clearer roadmaps and more targeted update cycles. By foregrounding user insights, KerioConnect can continue to evolve in ways that maximize productivity, security, and collaboration for SMBs around the world.
A Strong On-Prem, Enterprise-Grade Proposition for SMBs
The renewed KerioConnect release reinforces its positioning as a top pick for SMBs seeking an enterprise-grade business communications solution with an on-premises footprint. This approach emphasizes control, security, and data sovereignty—key considerations for organizations handling sensitive information, regulated data, or needing strict governance over their messaging and collaboration environments. The on-prem model remains appealing to SMBs that require predictable licensing, autonomous administration, and the ability to customize and integrate with existing IT ecosystems without being tethered to public cloud quotas or vendor lock-in.
KerioConnect’s on-prem architecture is marketed as a flexible and scalable option designed to grow with SMB needs. It supports a robust set of features that mirror those found in larger enterprises, while preserving the simplicity and manageability demanded by smaller teams. For IT departments, the on-prem paradigm offers centralized control over deployment cycles, updates, configuration management, and security policies. This can translate into easier compliance with internal governance standards, industry regulations, and data retention guidelines, particularly for organizations with stringent data residency requirements.
The update also positions KerioConnect as a practical alternative to cloud-based email and collaboration suites. For SMBs that prioritize control over data, cost predictability, and the avoidance of ongoing cloud service fees, an enhanced on-prem solution can deliver comparable collaboration capabilities with the added benefits of local data storage and tighter security controls. The emphasis on enterprise-grade features—without the overhead or complexity often associated with large-scale deployments—makes KerioConnect attractive to a broad spectrum of SMBs that require robust performance, reliability, and administrative simplicity.
Industry dynamics also support the ongoing relevance of on-prem platforms in certain segments. While cloud-based solutions offer convenience and scalability, some SMBs value the assurance of self-managed infrastructure, especially in sectors with strict regulatory requirements or where preserving existing security architectures is essential. KerioConnect’s emphasis on security, flexibility, and scalability within an on-prem framework aligns with these realities, presenting a compelling case for SMBs seeking a balanced approach that combines strong governance with modern collaboration workflows.
In practical terms, the latest update signals that KerioConnect is not merely maintaining parity with cloud offerings but actively differentiating itself through security, control, and the ability to deliver enterprise-grade capabilities in a cost-conscious, SMB-focused package. This positioning supports sustained adoption among organizations that require a trusted, on-prem solution capable of supporting advanced collaboration needs, while also fostering trust among IT leaders who value predictable performance and governance.
Upgrades for Existing Customers at No Extra Cost
A key aspect of the new KerioConnect release is the policy that existing customers receive all upgraded features at no additional cost. This approach reinforces the value proposition of KerioConnect and strengthens customer loyalty by ensuring that current users can access the latest capabilities without incurring incremental expenses. For SMBs, this translates into a clear financial advantage: they can leverage a broader feature set and improved performance without additional licensing or subscription fees, enabling greater return on investment from their existing deployments.
From a business perspective, offering upgrades at no extra cost can contribute to higher customer satisfaction and lower churn. When customers see tangible improvements in security, efficiency, and collaboration mechanisms without having to renegotiate licenses or budgets, they are more likely to stay with the platform and advocate for it within their networks. This strategy also simplifies budgeting for SMBs, as it minimizes unexpected costs and supports long-term planning around IT expenditures.
The no-cost upgrade approach aligns with KerioConnect’s broader mission to deliver scalable, enterprise-grade capabilities to SMBs in an affordable, predictable manner. It helps ensure that smaller organizations can stay current with the latest technology, benefiting from innovations such as faster search, improved mobile synchronization, and deeper integration with popular collaboration tools, all without the administrative overhead of complex migration projects or license changes. For IT leaders, this means a smoother transition, fewer disruption points, and a clearer upgrade path as the platform evolves.
By integrating upgraded features into existing installations, KerioConnect reduces the friction typically associated with software enhancements. Administrators can plan and execute updates with confidence, knowing that the feature set will grow over time without additional cost, and that end users will experience improvements in day-to-day workflows. This approach also reinforces the perception of KerioConnect as a customer-centered solution that prioritizes long-term value and ease of use, while continuing to deliver enterprise-grade capabilities suitable for SMBs with evolving collaboration needs.
In aggregate, the no-cost upgrade policy elevates the overall user experience, strengthens customer relationships, and supports a stable, predictable roadmap for SMBs that rely on KerioConnect for critical communications and collaboration. It reflects a commitment to simplicity, value, and sustained innovation, ensuring that users can continue to benefit from advances in search, mobile access, calendaring, and integrations as part of a cohesive, on-prem ecosystem.
Eight New Features and Innovations This Year
This year’s KerioConnect release features eight powerful new capabilities and innovations that broaden the platform’s offerings for SMB collaboration. The expansion reflects a deliberate strategy to enhance ease of use, flexibility, and scalability while preserving the security and control intrinsic to on-prem deployments. The eight additions are designed to complement the existing suite of tools, enabling teams to work more efficiently across devices and apps, and to streamline administrative oversight for IT teams.
Among the highlighted innovations are the improved search capabilities embedded in the Outlook extension, expanded ActiveSync support for mobile devices, and the newly integrated calendar experience with Microsoft Teams. Each of these features compounds the platform’s ability to deliver seamless productivity and cross-tool interoperability, which are essential for SMBs navigating complex workflows, time zones, and matrixed teams. The combination of these innovations aims to reduce bottlenecks, shorten cycle times, and accelerate decision-making by delivering timely access to information, calendar coordination, and cross-platform collaboration—without surrendering the governance, security, and performance benefits of an on-prem environment.
The eight innovations collectively reinforce KerioConnect’s positioning as a robust, enterprise-grade solution tailored for SMBs. They address common pain points such as slow search, disjointed cross-application workflows, and limited mobile synchronization, while delivering a cohesive user experience that feels familiar to users who rely on mainstream productivity tools. For IT administrators, the improvements translate into clearer management of user access, device compliance, and data retention, all within a secure, self-contained infrastructure that aligns with corporate governance requirements.
From a market perspective, these eight innovations enable KerioConnect to meet evolving customer expectations around collaboration, mobility, and real-time communication. SMBs can leverage these features to improve internal coordination, client communications, and project execution, all while maintaining control over their data and deployment model. The features are designed to be broadly applicable across industries and geographies, reflecting GFI Software’s view that small and mid-sized organizations can benefit from enterprise-grade capabilities when delivered through a cost-efficient, scalable, and user-friendly platform.
In practical terms, customers can expect not only incremental improvements but also a more coherent workflow across email, calendar, and collaboration tools. The eight innovations work together to deliver a more integrated experience, where search, mobile access, and calendar functionalities reinforce each other to strengthen productivity and collaboration. The outcome is a more resilient and adaptable SMB communications solution that can support a wider range of business processes, from routine daily operations to complex client engagements and cross-functional projects.
Global Deployment and SMB Adoption
The KerioConnect platform is deployed by thousands of SMBs worldwide, highlighting its global reach and relevance across diverse markets. The broad adoption underscores the platform’s appeal as a reliable, on-premise alternative to cloud-based solutions, particularly for organizations that require strong security controls, customization capabilities, and predictable operational costs. GFI Software’s network of global partners supports the distribution, implementation, and ongoing administration of KerioConnect, ensuring that organizations can access local expertise and tailored support as they scale their collaboration needs.
World-wide deployment also underscores the importance of interoperability with widely used third-party tools and services. KerioConnect’s strategy to enhance Outlook search, ActiveSync compatibility, and Teams integration reflects a deliberate effort to align with the tools that SMBs already rely on daily. This approach reduces friction during adoption and helps ensure a smoother transition for teams migrating from legacy systems or other on-prem solutions. The presence of a robust partner ecosystem further strengthens KerioConnect’s ability to meet regional requirements, adapt to local regulatory contexts, and provide responsive, on-the-ground support for organizations with varying IT maturity levels.
The widespread deployment also points to a growing expectation among SMBs for on-prem solutions that do not compromise on modern collaboration capabilities. As teams operate across different locations and devices, the ability to maintain secure, centralized control while enabling cross-border coordination becomes a decisive factor in choosing a platform. KerioConnect’s ongoing enhancements, combined with its global presence, position it as a practical, scalable option for SMBs seeking to balance security, performance, and collaboration in a hybrid or multi-cloud world.
Industries ranging from professional services and financial services to education and nonprofit organizations can benefit from a mature on-prem platform that supports essential communication needs. KerioConnect’s emphasis on enterprise-grade features—coupled with the cost and governance advantages of an on-prem deployment—appeals to organizations prioritizing risk management, compliance, and data sovereignty. The combination of personalized local support through a broad partner network and a continued focus on interoperability helps ensure that regional customers can realize tangible improvements in productivity, security, and user experience.
About GFI Software
GFI Software develops business-essential software for small and medium-sized businesses. The company serves a broad base of customers who rely on its solutions for network management, security, and collaboration. GFI Software operates on a global scale, leveraging a vast network of partners to bring its products to market and support customers around the world. The firm emphasizes delivering practical, scalable tools that address the daily needs of SMB teams while maintaining a focus on security, reliability, and ease of use across its portfolio.
GFI Software’s KerioConnect line represents a core component of its on-prem collaboration strategy. The product functions as a mail server and a comprehensive business communications and collaboration solution designed for SMBs, competing with cloud-native offerings by delivering strong governance, data control, and customization potential alongside familiar productivity workflows. The company’s global footprint and partner-driven distribution model contribute to the broad availability of KerioConnect, enabling SMBs in diverse regions to access and implement the platform according to their unique requirements.
For organizations evaluating messaging and collaboration options, KerioConnect’s ongoing evolution demonstrates GFI Software’s commitment to providing a robust, on-prem solution that integrates with popular tools and supports a range of business processes. The platform’s enhancements—such as faster search through the Outlook extension, expanded ActiveSync, and a new Teams calendar integration—illustrate how the company aims to deliver practical value to SMBs by aligning its products with contemporary work patterns while maintaining the security and control that many SMBs prioritize.
Conclusion
The latest KerioConnect release from GFI Software reinforces the platform’s role as a leading on-premise, enterprise-grade solution for SMBs seeking secure, flexible, and scalable collaboration capabilities. By delivering faster search in the Outlook extension, broader ActiveSync support for mobile users, and a calendar integration with Microsoft Teams, the update addresses core user needs while preserving the governance and control essential to on-prem deployments. The eight new features introduced this year expand the system’s capabilities, and existing customers benefit from access to these upgrades at no extra cost, underscoring the value proposition of continuing with KerioConnect. The combination of customer-centric innovation, a strong on-prem proposition, and widespread global adoption positions KerioConnect as a compelling choice for SMBs aiming to optimize collaboration, productivity, and security across devices and teams.
