Zimbra Announcement
Dear Users,
In response to your feedback and in an effort to continue providing you with the most convenient and easy to use tools, ITG is pleased to announce today our plans to roll out a significant upgrade to our email system this summer. This upgrade will introduce a new email platform known as Zimbra, which will replace our aging Microsoft Exchange system. Here are the main reasons for moving to the new mail server:
- Access to new, powerful client tools, with common look and feel across both the web and desktop, which work on Windows, Mac and Linux. Or continue with Microsoft Outlook if that suits your work the best.
- Direct access to calendar and contact information for Apple and Android clients.
- “Over-the-air” syncing for Calendar and Contacts on many mobile devices.
- Use Microsoft Outlook native mode from remote computers without first having to connect through the VPN.
- Faster mailbox searches.
- More flexibility when restoring mailboxes on the System Administration side.
- Greater compatibility allows for more choice among email, calendar and contact client applications
Common questions you may have about the move:
Q: Will I keep my existing email address and emails?
A: Yes.
Q: How will the migration take place? Will you move everyone at once overnight?
A: The migration will take place over the next four months. During this time, we will move small pre-arranged groups of users at set intervals.
Q: How long will the migration take for my account(s)?
A: The goal is to use some “behind the scene” technology to minimize the downtime you will experience. We anticipate that users being migrated will need to stay out of their accounts for only about 1-2 hours.
Q: Will I lose any incoming mail during this migrations?
A: No.
Q: I use Microsoft Outlook. Will I notice a big difference in the way that I read, create, and reply to mail or use my calendar?
A: For clients wishing to continue to use Microsoft Outlook for email, calendaring, and contacts, this is a fully supported configuration. To accomplish this, ITG will install the Zimbra connector plug-in within Outlook. This plug-in will enable our clients to continue using Microsoft Outlook in the same fashion but talk to our Zimbra email server.
Q: How will this impact the current way that I access my email?
A: You may use the same applications (Outlook, Apple Mail, Thunderbird) or choose to use the new Zimbra desktop/webmail clients.
Q: I’m nervous about moving to a new email system. How can you help?
A: ITG plans to have several demo sessions that you may attend. You will be able to see how the new server works with existing clients such as Microsoft Outlook, and Apple (Mail, iCal, Address book) and also see the new Zimbra desktop and Zimbra webmail client. The demo dates will be announced shortly. We urge representatives from all departments and ITG supported schools to attend a session.
Q: When will you move my email account?
A: ITG will coordinate with your group/department to schedule a time. We will not move your account without scheduling it with you.
Q: Will you have documentation on Zimbra?
A: Yes, ITG will have information related to Zimbra on its website for users who have been migrated.