To the many contributors, already...!

We are looking at various possibilities.
I am somewhat in favor of Keeping it Simple, and keeping the email issue
separate from all others.  Don't like Swiss Army Knives. Didn't like PL1.

Are some of you using Web-based email with POP capability from outside
suppliers? There are some out there with 200 POP addresses for less than
 $20 / month.

Here's the set of objectives I have been working to, after 2 years of frustration
with less than 50% of staff actually using email and the Principal really
wanting to use email for routine communications:
-----------------( objectives )-------------------
What's needed for WRVS Email to really work, and work well:

Every staff member needs to be able to easily receive and send email from any computer
that is on the internet, any place, any time.

They should be able to simply start any browser, and type a simple command like:
mail.wrvs.us
and a page should load where they enter their USERNAME and PASSWORD.

And they should see their email messages. It should be that simple.

They should be able to easily compose and send email messages.
They should be able to easily create folders to organize their email.
The should be able to easily change their password.
They should be able to receive and send attachments, including photos.
They should be able to easily send a message to predefined working groups of people.

This should work on any machine on the web, with no software or special setups at all.

The school should do this with no dependence on any Internet Service Provider, and
should be able to change IPS's or have multiple ISP's with no impact on the email system.

The school should be able to have a web site with no dependence on any ISP.

The school should be able to do this for less than $20 per month for email and website support.
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What are your opinions?  What would you add or subtract from this?

**This is a great group! We are really in the same occasionally-unstable boat
and knowing there are others with experience is invaluable. Thanks!



Regards,  Terry King ...In The Woods In Vermont
Waits River Valley School
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