TechCrammer.com - Open Source Webmail

Open Source Webmail

posted by Allan@TechCrammer @ 9:43pm, Wednesday 5 November 2008.

If you have ever used a Web hosting provider that also hosts your email, then you are most likely familiar with either SquirrelMail or Horde/IMP. These two Open Source email options are very widely used and have a strong development backing with frequent updates.

In my opinion, it really would come down to personal prefence in regards to which to install. Though there is nothing stopping you from using both...

SquirrelMail in many cases will be easier to install for many people, and provides a simpler end-use interface. Though there are some skins and many add-on modules available with SquirrelMail from different sources.

The Internet Messaging Program (IMP) is built on top of the PHP-based Horde Application Framework and has a myriad of other applications that can be integrated. The downside to this is that installation becomes a bit more involved, though for good reason since it allows alot of flexibility and customization. Some other modules such as Turba, Kronolith and Gollem allow for Addressbooks, Calendars and File storage capabilites.

Horde has more recently released a Groupware suite that should allow for easier installation and compatability between modules. The interface just doesn't show as mature as the product really is, though they have also been working on a "DIMP" Ajax type interface which should be closer to what many expect in a modern Webmail application.

Now for a couple Webmail options that you may not have seen as much...

RoundCube is a breath of fresh air with a nice clean intuitive interface. The website shows the project started in 2005, though I get the feeling this hasn't been as actively developed in the past as IMP and SquirrelMail. Still it offers a fairly simple install and a nice interface. Might be a good option for some.

A very recent new comer to the Open Source community, is not so new to the commercial world. Atmail has released some of there once commerical product to the Open Source community and is a nice product offering as well. It does not hold as many features as its commercial counterpart and only allows for the "simple" interface. However, it is still a very generous and appreciated contribution to allow a broader range of solid Open Source Webmail applications.