Introduction
Groupware Capabilities and Outlook Connector
The Value and Cost of Groupware
Groupware is collaboration software designed to help people work together. It enables groups of people to combine their efforts by sharing calendars, messages, contacts, tasks, notes and more.
Proven Value
Both common sense and common experience prove the value of groupware. Groupware helps people become more productive by enabling them to:
- Collaborate on email communications.
- Share contact information.
- Schedule projects and meetings jointly.
- Archive historical records.
- Centralize documentation.
- Keep a real-time knowledge base of activities and projects.
Because of its collaborative nature, groupware works well for applications such as conflict resolution, idea generation, issue discussion, negotiation, planning, problem solving, analysis and design.
Cost and Quality
In the past, high quality groupware has demanded premium-priced hardware and software, plus expensive and intense training of specialized professionals. Because of the cost, only large enterprises with deep pockets and large technical staffs could typically afford groupware. Even with the advantages offered by sharing, groupware usually had a cost-to-benefit ratio too high for small and midsized businesses. While several companies have offered groupware products, Microsoft Outlook with Exchange Server has been the most widely-marketed and is among the most expensive to install and operate. To help small-to-medium sized businesses leverage the benefits of collaboration, Outlook Connector for MDaemon removes the complexity and cost issues of using Outlook in a collaborative environment.
While many individuals have become familiar with Outlook, many enterprises prefer a more open and easier to administer server than Exchange Server. For some organizations and businesses a standards-based IMAP server is an attractive option. Alt-N Technologies developed Outlook Connector because the Outlook client itself is so widely-deployed. The connector integrates Outlook's calendars, contacts, journals, notes and tasks with the built-in groupware capabilities of MDaemon.
Outlook Connector and MDaemon
Outlook Connector for MDaemon opens up the groupware collaboration functions of Microsoft Outlook to small and mid-sized businesses by using MDaemon as the email messaging server. With Outlook Connector for MDaemon you can stay in touch with employees, co-workers, customers and vendors by sharing Outlook’s email, calendar with free/busy scheduling, address book, distribution lists, tasks, notes and more.
As with MDaemon, Outlook Connector is designed for businesses with little or no professional computer support. Its simplicity, economy and extensive features make Outlook Connector for MDaemon the recognized way to use Outlook’s groupware collaboration tools on a small to mid-sized business budget.
Alt-N Technologies’ MDaemon email server provides outstanding groupware and collaboration functionality when paired with Outlook Connector. It makes professional-quality groupware collaboration features available to budget-minded enterprises with or without IT personnel. The shared information is also available for on-the-go users through the groupware collaboration features of WorldClient, MDaemon’s web mail application
The purchase of Outlook Connector includes one year of free upgrade protection to safeguard your investment. Download the free, fully functional 30-day evaluation software now, or if you are ready to begin improving your business’ collaboration abilities, purchase today!
Features
Groupware Collaboration Support
Groupware Functions Integration
- Outlook Connector links the content sharing functions of Outlook to the groupware functions built into MDaemon.
- This plug-in enables Outlook users to share their calendars, messages, contacts, tasks, notes, and other items using MDaemon as the email server platform.
Real time synchronization
- Additions or changes made in Outlook are synchronized in real-time on the server.
- No user synchronization is required.
Designed for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
Easy on Budgets
- Outlook Connector and the groupware functions of MDaemon make the benefits of Outlook sharing economical for small and mid-size businesses.
- Outlook Connector is designed to be installed and configured without requiring an extensive IT background or expensive certifications. At the same time, it has fine tuning options making it popular with IT professionals.
Runs on Current and Legacy Systems
- Both Outlook Connector and MDaemon run on either legacy or current hardware and operating systems.
- There is no need to upgrade to costly hardware and operating systems to enjoy the benefits of group sharing.
Versatile Uses
- Many types of small and large businesses can benefit from Outlook Connector.
- Business types include manufacturers and service enterprises, law offices, insurance companies, hospitals and doctor offices, charities and non-profit organizations, schools and school districts, financial planners, government agencies, technology companies.
Flexible Licensing
- The Outlook Connector license is separate from the MDaemon license and may be a different size.
- You can purchase an Outlook Connector license for the number of users who actually use Outlook Connector. It is not required for the MDaemon and the Outlook Connector license sizes to match.
Sharing Flexibility
Sharing by Degrees
- Options for sharing vary from only showing the availability of the information to allowing complete control to add, change and delete.
Outlook and Web Mail Access
- Outlook Connector uses the same shared information available through MDaemon’s built-in web mail, WorldClient.
- You can view your shared information via WorldClient or Outlook.
Apply Sharing Permissions to Subfolders
- When setting up sharing permissions, you can apply the permissions to the current folder and, optionally, all of its subfolders.
Integration with Outlook Features
Grouping Support
- Grouping support allows you to organize mail different ways within Outlook. Outlook Connector provides support for this popular capability.
Delivery Confirmation
- Outlook Connector supports Outlook’s delivery confirmation function.
“Send immediately...” Support
- Outlook Connector supports the “Send Immediately” function of Outlook.
Mailbox Convenience
- All incoming messages go to the Outlook Inbox.
Mail Folder Support
- Mail folders can be shared without needing to use an Outlook IMAP account. Users have only one Inbox, and sent messages are saved to their IMAP Sent Items folder.
Performance
Fast Message Transfer
- Moving messages among folders is fast.
Modest System Requirements
- Outlook Connector requires few system resources on the computers running MDaemon and Outlook.
Local Cache Storage
- Outlook Connector has an easy way to select a location for the local cache storage if you need to move it from the default.
Stability
- Outlook Connector uses MAPI service provider technology, which is Microsoft Outlook’s native technology.
- Outlook Connector replaces the troublesome PST files with fast and reliable local data storage.
Open Protocols
- Outlook Connector uses industry standard SMTP and IMAP protocols to facilitate cost-effective, open and secure communications.
- Outlook Connector uses the standards-compliant MDaemon for its groupware functionality.
Administration
Easy Installation
- Outlook Connector is easy to install and set up on both MDaemon and Outlook.
Easy Maintenance
- Enable sharing by server or domain.
- Add users individually or in bulk.
- Automatically add Outlook users on first use.
- Keep contact lists up to date.
Grows with Your Needs
- The default settings of Outlook Connector create an easy entry point for beginners.
- Detailed configuration options provide fine-tuning controls for experienced users and IT professionals.
User Experience
Easy Sharing
- Through Outlook, each account holder assigns content sharing options to other users.
Easy Client Functions
- Share selected folders. Set up sharing options by user.
Folder Ownership Display
- In Outlook 2003 and later, Outlook Connector displays the name of folder owners adjacent to the folder name
Multilingual Support
- Outlook Connector is localized in multiple languages. When using system-level folders —such as Drafts, Calendar, and Contacts—Outlook Connector users see these folders names in their selected language,
- Administrators of MDaemon see the names in English.
“Out of Office” Editor
- MDaemon has a function for setting up server-side auto-responder messages for individual accounts. Outlook Connector extends access to this function to Outlook.
- You can use this function for setting up “out of office” messages, for example.
Requirements
These are the minimum recommended system requirements for Outlook Connector to run. This does not take into account running multiple programs simultaneously. To run several programs on the computer at the same time, that computer should exceed these recommendations.
- MDaemon Pro 8.0 or higher
- Computer with Pentium III 500 MHz (or higher) processor (Pentium 4 2.4 GHz or higher recommended)
- 256 MB of memory (512 MB recommended)
- Minimum hard disk space required: 30 MB
- 5MB disk space for data files (the amount varies depending on how much information is stored locally)
- Microsoft Windows XP/2000/2003/Vista operating system (Only 32-bit versions of listed OS)
- Outlook 2000/2003/2007
- Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher
- TCP/IP network protocol installed
- Internet or Intranet communication capabilities
Microsoft Vista Compatibility
Alt-N Technologies is committed to providing its customers with reliable, secure Windows-based messaging products. We have conducted positive evaluations of our product against the new system requirements of the Vista platform and now offer support for Outlook Connector's use with this operating system.
Download
Download OutlookConnector for MDaemon
Download OutlookConnector for MDaemon Install Guide
Download OutlookConnector for MDaemon FAQ
Download OutlookConnector for MDaemon PlugIn Guide
Download OutlookConnector for MDaemon Brochure
Download OutlookConnector for MDaemon White Paper
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