Following the steps on the next pages will help you choose your email client, but also keep the following in mind:

 Combine Products. Remember that although some clients may not have all the features you are looking for, you may be able to get them from your other office applications. For example, if you prefer Netscape or Eudora, but still want an advanced scheduler, use Microsoft Scheduler, part of the MS Office suite, or a similar product, and stick with the mail program you like. 

 Consider Your email Management Strategy. The email client you choose will largely depend upon how you plan to manage your email system. You have two choices:

• Manage email in-house with your own server and groupware (sophisticated email client)
• Outsource to an ISP

Your email client will be different depending on which strategy you choose. As a general rule, the more control you have over your own system, the more sophisticated your client can be.

__ Luxury Model: In-House Groupware. Groupware is a sophisticated email client used when managing your own email server rather than outsourcing to an ISP. For example, Microsoft Outlook is the groupware used with Microsoft Exchange Server. Groupware email is the most sophisticated of the bunch, with advanced text editing options, extensive contact management, and the ability to link staff schedules together. You can even create tasks directly into employee calendars. This is the way to go if you're a medium to large company that relies heavily on email and wants the highest level of contact and schedule management.   (1 point)

__ Reliable Sedan: ISP Hosting. ISP-hosted email clients are essentially watered-down versions of the luxury groupware model. You can get them for almost no cost, and they have most of the same features. The downside is that users aren't connected to each other - you can't merge employee schedules and tasks can only be set by the user. This is the way to go if you don't want to manage your own email, but still want a fairly capable and professional email interface, along with your own domain name. (2 points)

__ Four Doors and Some Tires: Introducing Web email. Web-based email is popular because you can access it from anywhere, but the text editing options can be very limited, thus making your messages less professional-looking than more traditional clients. With web-based email, contact management and scheduling is virtually non-existent. But if you're short on cash, it's a good way to get started. (3 points)

 

Consider Technical And Customer Support. By outsourcing your email, you're at the mercy of your ISP's server. If you're having email problems, you want a real person to talk to. Some clients provide extensive, free support via telephone, Internet and email. Also check the quality of the clients' online tutorials. While email programs are pretty straightforward, it can be hard to find some of the more obscure but useful features, especially in sophisticated programs. These could be deciding factors if you're on the fence about two products.

1 Point

2 Points

3 Points

You've chosen in-house groupware. This is the highest level of email capability available currently. Groupware means that you'll be managing your own email server in-house, probably with an IT staff. There are three major products to choose from. You can purchase just the client from each of these, but you won't be able to use the complete range of features without their respective servers.

You've chosen ISP-hosted email. You'll get most of the same features as more sophisticated clients for much less money. There are four major products to choose from. And either Outlook Express or Netscape Mail usually come automatically installed in most new computers

You've chosen web-based email. These are much more basic versions of the typical email client. They are limited in size, and prevent you from choosing your own domain name (i.e., if you use Yahoo!, and your company name is Widget, your email would be Widget@yahoo.com). But they're usually free or close to it, and you can check them from any computer anywhere with a connection to the Internet.

Microsoft Outlook 2000 offers the most comprehensive program with the most versatility for business if you're looking for integrated features. And many of these features come free in Outlook Express. But if you don't need all the fancy stuff and find the interface too busy, go with Eudora or Netscape. And for more content driven, all-in-one communications packages, consider Netscape and AOL. 

 Consider Technical And Customer Support. By outsourcing your email, you're at the mercy of your ISP's server. If you're having email problems, you want a real person to talk to. Some clients provide extensive, free support via telephone, Internet and email. Also check the quality of the clients' online tutorials. While email programs are pretty straightforward, it can be hard to find some of the more obscure but useful features, especially in sophisticated programs. These could be deciding factors if you're on the fence about two products.