Unison as Free, Ad-Supported Version
The commercial unified communication solution Unison is now available in a free, "sponsor-supported" version whose revenue comes from embedded advertising.
The Unison software suite unites mail, telephony, IM, calendar and directory services. The server side runs under Linux, the desktop client runs under Windows XP or Vista and a native Linux version that is currently still in beta. An online demo and trial download of the client are available.
The new sponsor-supported version drops all license fees of the commercial product. However, users still retain full Unison functionality and unrestricted client license privileges. In the bargain they have to reckon with embedded advertising in the client and administrative interface. (The Opera browser, for example, has used this model in the past.) The Unison Technologies website provides visual examples.
At the same time, Unison assures users that the sponsored version will share only statistical data with its sponsors and will adhere to strict privacy principles. Information about individuals, organizations and user content is not stored and would not be passed on to the sponsors.
The free, ad-supported version is available now for download. Users who wish to remove the sponsor ads can purchase a subsequent paid license.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.