Zarafa has unveiled a new client strategy that will see Outlook support
winding down over time. So let’s look at what that means.
The world is changing rapidly and the IT world is an integral part of
that change. The business IT world of some years ago that was focused
largely on Windows workstations with Outlook as the collaboration client
is fading. Although many predicted that the single platform approach
would become more dominant with time, this has not come to pass. Instead
we now see a plethora of client platforms both fixed and mobile being
used in business settings; Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android and other
Linux based systems like Chromebook and in some cases a BYOD approach.
As they are inherently cross platform, browser based applications, be
they deployed from public or private clouds, have become the norm to
support a mix of platforms.
With this in mind Zarafa has announced they will phase out their support of the Outlook MAPI client so they can focus more resources towards developing their web & mobile solutions. That includes improved Z-Push (ActiveSync) and WebApp - a client that gives you tools like presence, chat, video meetings and telephony. Also DeskApp a WebApp inspired desktop client. Some of these developments are already being seen in Zarafa web meetings & Zarafa files. As a customer this means:
For Existing Customers
You will receive support for the Outlook client until 1 May 2017. No
enhancements or updates are to be expected after this date.
For New Customers
You will receive support for the Outlook client until 1 May 2016. A
new customer is anyone who did not own a subscription before 1 May
2015.
The above policy recognises the investment of existing customers and gives them extra time to evaluate the new options being delivered by Zarafa. There is also an opportunity for new customers to sign up before the 1 May 2015 deadline to get an extra year of Outlook support!
We are also doing special pricing for new customers before COB 30 April 2015.
Zarafa have prepared a number of resources to explain this strategy and their forward looking solutions:
Zarafa CEO Blog: How Zarafa Wants to Solve User Challenges with a New Client Strategy
As always please don’t hesitate to get in touch with sales if you wish to discuss any aspect of these changes and ASAP to get special pricing!
