VMware updates Zimbra collaboration tools
VMware has launched Zimbra Collaboration Server 7 — an open-source suite of collaboration tools that support email, group calendars and document sharing — which the company says provides better tools for both casual and power users.
Among the updates the Zimbra Collaboration Server 7 — formerly known as Zimbra Collaboration Suite — promises new file and data sharing capabilities, expanded calendaring and search functionality and upgraded management features for implementers and end-users.
"The impact of social media along with a new-generation of increasingly mobile workers creates new demands on collaboration platforms," Erin Traudt, research director for enterprise collaboration and social solutions at IDC, said in a statement. "The concept of 'sharing more and sending less' becomes a key capability that enterprises' should consider as they look to arm their workforce with the essentials of everyday business communications."
VMware Zimbra has also extended mobile functionality by allowing access to BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0 to customers via the VMware Zimbra Connector for BlackBerry 7.0. It also supports native app sync, HTML formatted emails and automatic sync of email tags.
The software is available to download now from the VMware Zimbra website, along with beta versions of Zimbra Desktop 7 and Zimbra Appliance 7.
In January 2010, VMware purchased Zimbra from Yahoo for an undisclosed sum. Under terms of the deal Yahoo can still use Zimbra technology for its mail and calendar applications.