Article Index - Product Contact Details
July 2001
GLWebMail
Version 2
by Wilf Hey
FOR
Extremely simple to use, and effective in producing a centrally-based (server) mail service.
AGAINST
For security, it does not support ActiveX; this is unworkable for some users.
VERDICT
Offering full integration into Windows, this mail manager is a simple solution to virtually all email difficulties, yet flexible enough to incorporate all the user options imaginable.

GLWebMail is a complete implementation of simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP) email management, typically on a server connected to several PCs or other stations. The server processor should be running a Windows NT4 or Windows 2000 platform. The rising costs incurred by small and medium-sized businesses for computer services can be offset by great savings when using GLWebMail. Administration time is cut to a minimum as installation is easy and a natural looking integration into Windows means that users seldom need to change matters. The only common maintenance comes with the addition of accounts for new employee users and deletion of old ones.

A company can incorporate GLWebMail alongside an existing mail server, with which it should interface seamlessly. However it can itself be used as the full mail server since it provides all common email management requirements.

All the email is stored on the (central) server instead of on the user's PC in each case. In this way backup is simplified. This approach also means that mail need not reside on the user's PC at all, allowing the machine to be used by others without fear of mail being compromised. Any machine that can run a web browser can, through GLWebMail, access email for its user.

It is possible to create multiple filters that will direct incoming messages to a variety of bespoke folders - including a 'trashcan.' Filters work at the server, even though created by users at their stations. Filters for registered users are active at all times, even when the user is not logged on, so incoming mail will still be sorted and classified according to the user's own criteria. If mail can be identified (for example by source or content) it can be classified in a particular folder.

It is extremely useful that folders can be nested to any depth; this facilitates separation of messages according to date, for example. Mail can be collected from multiple systems, and each source can be (optionally) filed in different folders. Standard mouse operations can move individual messages or whole groups or folders to new locations. Incorporation of simple rule filters can make individual management for an email customer more or less automatic, classified by type or source into appropriate folders. Attachments to mail are rendered 'safe' simply by never being opened for execution: they must be moved to the user's own PC for that purpose. Optional virus protection software can be added to ensure that attachments added to a mail about to be sent are virus-free.

On a user or domain basis, the suite will happily send a pre-arranged reply to any incoming message, and in a similar manner each user can set up several email addresses to which incoming messages will be automatically forwarded - even if that user is not currently logged onto the system. Each user can similarly elect for mail collection, even when not logged onto the system. Single sockets layer (SSL) protocol is supported, providing excellent 'read' security on the network.

A brilliant and simple way is provided so that a user's email can be referenced in multiple ways without costly and confusing duplication. Incoming emails may be 'tagged,' and tagged entries can be sought and displayed subsequently. Any number of tags can be applied to a single message, and the search facility is flexible, powerful, and easy to use even without prior instruction. In this way, an individual's mail can be as useful as a database.

GLWebMail not only provides efficient email services (including multiple identities, even using different domains) but it extends several new abilities to each user. Not only can messages be filed in appropriate folders (both manually and even automatically, through the use of filters) but with simple click operations and drag-and-drop techniques email can be forwarded, redirected or re-sent.

Extra security is extended for any occasion when a user has accessed a message and left the scene: the browser 'back' button is disabled with the effect that a subsequent user on the same station cannot view another's private mail. Similarly, if a user has left without signing off the suite will sign off anyway. Three different modes of multiple windows while handling email are available, and each user can select the mode most suitable for his or her use.

Another feature that will make the administrator's job easier is that GLWebMail supports multiple languages for its interface - on the same server. For example, English, French and German users can simultaneously use a server running GLWebMail as their email client. (Language is selected on an individual account basis.)

Secure and flexible mail management arises naturally with effective use of GLWebMail. All mail is collected and kept on a central server rather than scattered among several PCs. Speed is thereby enhanced, and less disk space is occupied on user stations. Editing and mail processing features are more flexible (and easier) than those offered in other mail handling suites, and it becomes much more practical for users to draw mail, for example, from their home computer or from a mobile station when away from the office. The ability to classify mail so extensively in folders (it is a simple matter to create new folders on-the-fly) greatly enhances the power a user has to organize email. GLWebMail readily fills all three roles as email server, consolidator and gateway - and provides a useful, pleasant to use alternative to much more complicated and inflexible mail handlers.
 

end
Contact Information:
  
GLWebMail
Version: 2

North America
Supplier: Gordano Ltd.
Price: $495
Contact: (988) 292-1142
sales@gordano.com
www.gordano.com

UK/Europe
Supplier: Gordano Ltd.
Price: from £345
Contact: +44 (0)1 275 345100
sales@gordano.com
www.gordano.co.uk
 

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