Single Users

[luciphercolors]

Ok, so maybe I'm the only person on earth who wants to do this with Zimbra.

I want to set up a Zimbra server, in my house, for myself and a few other family members. I could use Horde/IMP, or phpGroupware, or Citadel, and I've tried out several of them. But I really like the whole AJAX thing that Zimbra's got going on. Outlook support is a killer for me, though, and now that I just picked up a Blackjack the ability to sync wirelessly would be nice too. (I can probably give up Outlook, if I have to.) The Exchange server I am running via a personal Small Business Server will do that for me... but I really don't want to run Exchange anymore. (Shitty support for multiple identities...)

Ok, so I can use the Open Source edition. I understand that. But Open Sourcers don't seem to have any way of connecting Outlook, or their handhelds, to Zimbra. Just pretty AJAXy web interface and that's about it.

So, then, I was like, "well, maybe I can get hosted Zimbra for myself for cheap." No biggie, right? I pay 1&1 $9 a month for an insane amount of web and mailspace, I figure someone can give me a Network-licensed, Outlook and mobile capable account for a couple bucks a month. I'd pay for that... but instead the best offer I can find is $16+ a month, from a company who's website looks a little dubious. I'm not quite sure if I want to pay $200 a year plus setup for this.... especially when

So, seriously, what gives? I understand that there are very few people out there that have the knowledge and wherewithal to set this up, but the fact is the only way I can get MAPI and mobile sync is with the Network edition... and for that you've got to pay through the roof for users you won't even use.

So, any way individual consumers might be able to snag a sweet network copy? I understand the concerns: businesses might abuse it, difficult to police, and what-have-you. But I can see an interesting future: sell tech-set families Zimbra packaged in a copy of VMWare Server, pre-installed and ready to go on their new Windows Home Server systems, or, hell, even a spare desktop. (Vista Ultimate RTL gives users an extra server license.) Give the parents Outlook connectivity and the kids the ability to sync their iPhones or whatever to their email while out on the road...

Or, any decent Zimbra hosting providers that give plenty of space without breaking the bank?

[jholder]

Originally Posted by luciphercolors

Ok, so I can use the Open Source edition. I understand that. But Open Sourcers don't seem to have any way of connecting Outlook, or their handhelds, to Zimbra. Just pretty AJAXy web interface and that's about it.

Not true.
If you enable pop3/imap access, outlook can connect that way. Same with mobile devices.

[Klug]

Originally Posted by luciphercolors

the best offer I can find is $16+ a month

I'm not sure you looked at the right place : http://www.zimbra.com/partners/zimbra_hosting.html

[luciphercolors]

Originally Posted by jholder

Not true.
If you enable pop3/imap access, outlook can connect that way. Same with mobile devices.

Ok, I did overlook that. Can you sync contacts on that?

I was PMed by a few people mentioning other providers not listed on that hosting page, because that is where I checked. Maybe I didn't check closely enough?

[Klug]

Originally Posted by luciphercolors

Ok, I did overlook that. Can you sync contacts on that?

Nope 8-(

Originally Posted by luciphercolors

I was PMed by a few people mentioning other providers not listed on that hosting page, because that is where I checked. Maybe I didn't check closely enough?

All Zimbra providers are not on the HSP page on Zimbra's website, I guess that's why.

[bbarnett]

I've recently evaluated Zimbra for one of my clients, and I'm quite happy with what I see. I would love to have a personal edition with two to five "home user" accounts that also allows mobile syncing. $500 + the cost of the base network is a bit expensive for this, however. There simply isn't a usable syncing option out there for Linux, with Windows Mobile devices, unless you pay. Synce is very beta (alpha really), and FinchSync is beta and only syncs with specific clients.

As for external hosting, there is no way I would *ever* trust my personal data to an external entity. It just isn't going to happen. I'm sure a lot of other users feel the same way.

So, I sit as I do now, using my WM5 device to pull email from my pop server. I'd like to sync calendar info, notes and contacts, but it's a no go.

Still no change on a personal edition? I certainly don't mind paying, but something sub $100 would be more in line with such a market segment...

[fernandoflorez]

I also would like to see an option for single users with the desire to have zimbra mobile and outlook sync.

I would love to have my personal (2 account server) with the mobile and outlook sync. I like having my own server because i play with it and learn each day on how to admin it.

What are the option a guy like me have?

Thanks,