[WEB4LIB] e-mail for intranet (fwd)

[James Cayz]

Bob Wrote:
> Hi. I'm looking for a good web-based e-mail product for our new Intranet.

> Is anyone running an e-mail application on their Intranet that they're
> really happy with?

> Bob Long, Eastern Shore Regional Library
> Automation Technical Assistant
> 410 479 0776 (v)
> 410 548 5807 (f)

Bob, All;

Don't speed up going down the road - you'll hit me in the back bumper!!!!

I have spent the last few months looking at a variety of web-based email
systems.  Primary criteria was 1) it had to be web-based, 2) it had to be IMAP
compatible and 3) it had to be easy.

The best fit for us was WebMail, by NetWin, (see http://netwinsite.com/ ). 
Although they are based out of New Zealand, 17 hours time-shifted, I have
received very good tech support, both pre and post-sale, all for a very modest
annual license price.  Installation was trivial - no PHP or Perl needed - just
an IMAP-compatible Apache.

I also strongely considered SquirrelMail and Silkymail (www.squirrelmail.org
and www.silkymail.com), and at least 5 others who didn't even make it to the
"extended test" phase.

If possible, I would suggest loading two or three of the best-fit clients
(server / IT-wise) and then let your user base give you opinions on how each
handles for them.

The reasons we picked WebMail over the others would probably be more or less
relevent to you and your staff.

I can tell you it was *so* much fun configuring and running several clients at
a time.  I'm glad the test is OVER, and we're "semi" live.

Enjoy the trip!

James

+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| James Cayz          Telecommunications / Network Technologist I          |
| Email:cayz at lib.de.us     Voice:302-739-4748 x130      Fax:302-739-6787   |
| Delaware Division of Libraries # 43 S. DuPont Hwy / Dover, DE 19901-7430 |
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+