Zimbra offers open source e-mail server and calendar software

Zimbra has launched an alpha version of its new Zimbra Desktop client, which uses Web 2.0 Ajax technology to allows users to work online and offline with the firm’s online Zimbra server platform.

With the system, users can write e-mail, add new appointments, and edit documents while offline, and when they re-connect changes will be automatically synchronised with a web-based Zimbra Server.

The open-source Zimbra Desktop is pitched as a cheaper client to use compared to Outlook and other proprietary clients.

Support for POP and IMAP accounts will be available on a beta version due this summer, said Zimbra.

Zimbra Desktop is available for Windows, Apple, or Linux operating systems.

Once the beta download is complete, users will be asked to provide account info and the URL of their Zimbra Server.

Zimbra Desktop can be downloaded at:

http://www.zimbra.com/products/desktop.html

Related article: IBM offers Lotus Notes and Domino 8 betas for download

Related article: Remote Desktop gets a bit more secure

Comment on this article: computer.weekly@rbi.co.uk