filters, folders, imap, searches

[sakoch]

OK. I am trying to think in terms of searches... but:

1. In Zimbra everything can be in the INBOX as sorting is done by searches, but if I then use IMAP/Outlook does Zimbra make virtual IMAP folders for Outlook to see so that the email is sorted?

2. Let's say we try Zimbra and the test users decide it just doesn't do what we need. How would you dump the giant Zimbra inbox to a proper set of sorted IMAP files/folders?

3. Supposing we ultimately migrate a horde of users to Zimbra. They had their nice IMAP folders and such. Assuming we figure out how to retain the integrity of the mappings in the migration, how do users then APPLY NEW FILTERS to start NEW folders to existing emails?

As I am just starting to look at this, it seems Zimbra is a one-way ticket. It would be easier to adopt if migration to and from was simplified. My guess is personally, I'll keep using folders for this very reason. (Also, having a couple ways of finding something helps my brain.... why do a search when you know the message is one of the five most recent in the folder?)

[marcmac]

Originally Posted by sakoch

OK. I am trying to think in terms of searches... but:

1. In Zimbra everything can be in the INBOX as sorting is done by searches, but if I then use IMAP/Outlook does Zimbra make virtual IMAP folders for Outlook to see so that the email is sorted?

Not necessarily - if your filters file messages into other folders, that will be reflected in IMAP. Saved searches, however, will not (they aren't really folders).

2. Let's say we try Zimbra and the test users decide it just doesn't do what we need. How would you dump the giant Zimbra inbox to a proper set of sorted IMAP files/folders?

Set up an imap client with accounts on both servers (zimbra and other imap server). Sync the client, and drag the messages from one account to the other. (This is the reverse of how we import thru IMAP.)

3. Supposing we ultimately migrate a horde of users to Zimbra. They had their nice IMAP folders and such. Assuming we figure out how to retain the integrity of the mappings in the migration, how do users then APPLY NEW FILTERS to start NEW folders to existing emails?

I'm not sure what you're asking. Currently, we can't apply filters to mail you've already received, but if the import retains the folder structure (which it can) this shouldn't be necessary.

As I am just starting to look at this, it seems Zimbra is a one-way ticket. It would be easier to adopt if migration to and from was simplified. My guess is personally, I'll keep using folders for this very reason. (Also, having a couple ways of finding something helps my brain.... why do a search when you know the message is one of the five most recent in the folder?)

I'm not sure how much simpler it could be - you can move messages in and out with any imap client, organizing and sorting them any way you want into folders.

Folders are nice, for a recent message, or to add limits to a search. But for "where's that pdf I got last year about the widgets in Oregon"? search can't be beat.

[sakoch]

1. OK. This is what I thought. So really, we need folders still in order to maintain relevance to imap. Some users will be married to their Outlook or similar email interface. Especially true if you need to access 2 or more independent email sources.

2. I can deal.

3. (Talking after moving email to zimbra...) If we agree that folders are sometimes useful, even in Zimbra, then developers, PLEASE allow the application of message filtering (filing to folders) be something that can be reapplied. When a new folder is added it is usually desirable to capture all new and OLD messages that should go into that folder. Why do the work twice (create folder and filter; do search and move). (Combine into one? Make filter and search at same time?)

OK. Migration should be easy enough. Perhaps easier if you hang on to the folder-centric approach.

[dkarp]

Originally Posted by marcmac

Not necessarily - if your filters file messages into other folders, that will be reflected in IMAP. Saved searches, however, will not (they aren't really folders).

Just to be clear, saved searches are exported in IMAP as READ-ONLY folders. So you'll have all your messages in the Inbox, but it'll appear as if there's another copy of the matching messages in the search folders.