On the front end, a rich, thin, AJAX-based web client brings e-mail to life through web mash-ups for example, when viewing an e-mail, users can see their schedule by hovering over a date, or see the status of a purchase order by hovering over the number. The Zimbra Collaboration Suite is multi-tiered on the back end, the collaboration server integrates search, archiving, discovery, anti-spam and anti-virus/security features into a single messaging platform which is able to support a company’s current network and end-user experience. Currently available as a Beta, the messaging server and client will be generally available in November. Built on open source technology, the Zimbra Collaboration Suite will fundamentally change the way people interact with e-mail by fixing the most frustrating problems for users and administrators.

4, 2005 – Today, in conjunction with this week’s prestigious Web 2.0 Conference, Zimbra () officially unveiled its innovative open source messaging server and client – the Zimbra Collaboration Suite. Zimbra Unveils Innovative, Open Source Collaboration Software and Messaging ServerĬompelling new open source e-mail and messaging application transforms administrator and user interaction, permits effortless integration with existing infrastructures There is Mitch Kapor’s Chandler project.Īnyway, Zimbra is based in San Mateo, and unlike other smaller companies just launching, this one already has backing from some well-known Silicon Valley venture firms, Benchmark Partners and Redpoint Ventures. Ximian had an open source email client that could connect with Exchange servers, was popular with Linux fans but how has it done? There is Scalix, which was launched with great fanfare a while ago.

And does Zimbra have the policy management and security that will allow big companies to be comfortable with it? There’s a string of companies that have so far failed to dislodge Microsoft. Despite Zimbra’s claim that email is broken, it appears to use that it works well enough for most people. Still, we’re still not sure about what will drive people away from Microsoft Outlook/Exchange.

The app itself is basically Outlook (reminiscent of Oddpost) but the fact that this is built on an AJAX framework offers a lot of potential for developers who want to extend it or build their own messaging apps using the same framework it’s a very very cool AJAX email client. For a limited time only, receive preferential pricing discount when you upgrade from the open source to the commercial edition of Zimbra Collaboration.Here is Jeff Nolan, who is the venture guy over at SAP Ventures:

Price zimbra network edition