This page will describe and track the pilot testing of AdCom's e-mail migration project.

Goals

The goal of this project is to rearchitect the e-mail infrastructure for users supported by AdCom Desktop Support. The two key changes are:

Replace Eudora desktop client with Thunderbird
Move e-mail server from AdCom-run Apollo to NACS MailBox Services

Benefits

Eudora development moved to an open-source project based on Thunderbird in late 2006, with previous versions becoming end-of-life. Thunderbird is a proven, well-supported e-mail client with a similar look-and-feel to Eudora, with updated and improved functionality.

NACS MailBox Services provides e-mail to the vast majority of the campus community, and thus supported by a large infrastructure providing features beyond what AdCom alone can provide today. Primary to this is support for IMAP, which allows for enhanced "synchronized" mail between desktop clients, Webmail, and portable devices.

Pilot

With e-mail being a key part of most people's workday, it is essential that this transition take place as smoothly as possible. This means testing. We have completed functionality testing internally, but need a larger group of users to help test the following:

Migration procedures- Conversion of messages/attachments/address book (there is no automated filter migration)
- Does mail conversion properly:
  - Keep message state (read/unread/replied)
  - re-attach attachments to original message
  - Convert all other parameters (date/time)
- Does Addressbook conversion:
  - Map all Addressbook fields
  - Create groups
Configuration defaults
- IMAP Offline cache (none/inbox only/all)
- Delete behavior (mark/Trash/delete)
- Reply quoting
- HTML vs plaintext composition, ask when sending
- Junk settings (local or NACS)
- Auto-add outgoing to Address Book
- Message forwarding inline or attached
IMAP concepts
- Local vs IMAP folders
- quotas
- webmail
- external device/client support
- IMAP Trash behavior
Other
- LDAP vs PH functionality
- 3rd party extensions?

Status

Main Article: Thunderbird Status Page

FAQ

Q: Can someone assist me in transitioning over to Thunderbird?
A: Absolutely. Please put in a ticket to the Adcom Helpdesk (ext. 8500) and say you would like to move over to Thunderbird. A request will be sent to Desktop Support and someone will be in contact witih you shortly.

Q: I'm computer saavy would would like to set it up myself. Are there self setup instructions?
A: Yes, but you have to have us install Thunderbird first. Follow the Thunderbird - Self Setup Instructions.

Q: I already have Thunderbird installed. Where is Adcom's Thunderbird FAQ?

A: The main Thunderbird FAQ is located HERE.

Browser not supported