Zimbra

ZimbraAn E-mail and Collaboration Suite

LI 815 XRKristen GrippZimbrahttp://www.zimbra.comAn open source email and collaboration suite that allows for email, chat, organization of calendar events and tasks, and document storing. History2004 Company Started2007 Bought by Yahoo2010 Bought by VMware from Yahoo(VMware, 2010)

FeaturesStandardAJAXEmailAddress BookCalendarTasksBriefcaseEmailAddress BookCalendarTasksBriefcaseSocialPhone(VMware Zimbra, n.d.)ScreenshotsZimbra Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, Briefcase, Social, and Phone4Mail

Contacts

Calendar

Tasks

Briefcase

Social

Phone

What They SupportEmailPOP or IMAPContacts and CalendarsCardDAV, iCal, CalDAVStandard, AJAX, Mobile versionsAllows Unlimited UsersWindows, Mac, Linux compatibleCan use AJAX mobile web browser

DisadvantagesNot easy to find how to download the open source software versionSearch Feature Can only do a search in one tabbed area at a time, not the entire system

AdvantagesConnect multiple email accounts into oneBriefcase can keep useful files from emails , instead of only in the emailCalendar feature can be set up so that multiple people can view another persons schedule. Social Features Use Twitter directly from the programZimlets One click access to popular websitesLibrary UsesCommunication between staff members through email or chatUse the Briefcase to post documents that people may need often and find usefulThe Social area allows for easy access to popular social networks that libraries need to use to keep patrons interested

Library Type and StaffLibrary TypesPublicAcademicStaffAll staff could use it, some would use more features than othersReference Staff could use chat if they are having difficulty answering a patrons questionManagers Use the Calendar and Briefcase features to share information that would impact multiple people

Other ProductsSpicebird Open Source

HyperOffice Licensed software

SmarterMail Licensed software

Microsoft Exchange Licensed software

Final OpinionI believe Zimbra would be a good email and collaboration suite for a small or medium sized library because it is easy to use, once downloaded, and offers access to popular social networking tools that the younger generation is relying on more and more.ReferencesVMware confirms Zimbra buy.Jan 18, 2010. Client Server News,820, 7. RetrievedfromComputer DatabaseviaGale:http://0-find.galegroup.com.www.whitelib.emporia.edu/gtx/start.do?prodId=CDB&userGroupName=empsu_web

VMware Zimbra. n.d. Zimbra collaboration server: Open source edition. Retrieved from http://www.zimbra.com/products/zimbra-open-source.html