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MIT Email Migration: What, Why, When, and How
What?
To better support the email needs of the MIT community, Information
Services and Technology (IS&T) endorses migrating from Eudora
and POP mail protocol to the more functional, stable, and integrated
email applications provided and maintained by operating system vendors
Microsoft, Apple, and Red Hat using the IMAP mail protocol.
Why?
Operating system vendors now integrate fully functional email programs
into their offerings. MIT users will gain the benefits of:
- Mail programs supported by the vendor for each platform
- Automatic updates and security fixes
- Separate installation of mail program not required
Using the newer IMAP protocol will provide further benefits:
- Full use of the spam screening capabilities of MIT’s
email system
- Easy access to email from multiple machines, Webmail, and other
devices (e.g., PDAs)
- Ability to access Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)
for directory look-up
- All MIT mailboxes stored on the MIT mail servers are backed
up regularly in case of catastrophic server failure.
In addition, by migrating the community to these better supported
products, MIT’s IT staff in academic and administrative departments
and IS&T will be better able to support and maintain email for
the MIT community.
Background
The Eudora user population has been decreasing as members of the
MIT community choose alternate email applications, and new members
of the community select Microsoft, Apple, or Red Hat email applications.
Additionally, Eudora products have demonstrated some general instability
with our mail servers causing multiple crashes and an inability
to receive and send email. In response to the community’s
increasing preference for alternate email applications, IS&T
will gradually place less emphasis on Eudora as we expand knowledge
and support for Outlook 2003, Outlook Express, Apple Mail, and Evolution.
These email applications come installed as part of the operating
system; Outlook 2003 is included as part of Microsoft Office 2003.
These recommended email applications work seamlessly within the
MIT environment and are automatically updated by the vendors. Their
use when configured for Internet Mail Access Protocol (IMAP) provides
a stable user experience in using the full functionality of email.
For more details, resources, and frequently asked questions, visit
the Email at MIT
page.
When?
The Email Migration formally began in January 2006. IS&T continues
to work with IT support staff in academic and administrative departments
as well as end users to ensure a successful transition.
How?
In an effort to facilitate a smooth email migration process, IS&T
is offering several types of assistance.
Services for Community Members
- Quick Start classes on Outlook Express, Outlook 2003, and Apple
Mail are offered at no cost. Please see the IS&T
Training Schedule for more information.
- Online simulations/demos for migrating from Eudora to another
recommended email client are available at the Email
Migration at MIT: Online Simulations page.
- Help Desk consultants can assist Eudora users in making the
switch. This includes importing existing email from Eudora to
the recommended email applications. There is an associated fee
of $60 an hour for this service. To set up an appointment, call
617.253.1101 or send email to <computing-help@mit.edu>.
Services for Departments, Labs, or Centers (DLCs)
- Migration assistance is available as part of a DITR Service
Level Agreement (SLA) at no additional cost. For details, see
the DITR page. There
is an associated fee of $60 an hour for DLCs without a DITR SLA.
- Migration assistance is available.
- On-site Outlook Express, Outlook Pro 2003, and Apple Mail Quick
Start sessions can be provided for your faculty and staff. There
is an associated fee of $60 an hour for this service.
Please contact email-migration@mit.edu
to arrange for any of these DLC services. |
