External email server? (IMAP)

[justinz]

Is there an option to either:

1. Use the Mail application as an IMAP client to an external server?
2. Add a 3rd party mail client into the EGroupware UI (e.g. RainLoop, RoundCube)

Our current desktop email clients (Thunderbird, Outlook) fetch mail from multiple source domains, so use the “combined Inbox” model. I was wondering if we can use the Mail app in this mode – as an IMAP client to an external server rather than the one installed with EGW. If not with multiple external IMAP sources, then maybe with just one, such that we can specify, per user, an external IMAP server, login, password, and SMTP details?

The motivation for this setup is to take advantage of the local Calendar, AddressBook, Notes, Tasks data-tables, and sync via ActiveSync to the other platforms (androd-native calendar/contacts/notes/tasks & standalone Thunderbird+Lightning), all while having the use entire eGroupware platform.

I realize that I could try move entirely off our other email servers (say move mailboxes with ImapSync, et al); but that would be difficult with large sorted mail folders. Just asking if there’s an option to not use the bundled Dovecot/Postfix server. Thanks.

[StefanU]

Hello Justin.

First of all:
EGroupware does not install a mail server. EGroupware comes with/is an IMAP mail client:

Email application - Always mobile with EGroupware

You can install the EGroupware mail server later (or not):

EGroupware/egroupware

You can create any mail accounts in the EGroupware mail client.
I think that explains most of it.

so use the “combined Inbox” model.

We do not support that.

Stefan

[justinz]

Stefan,
I am glad to hear that the mail app in EGroupware is an IMAP client. would you please explain where I can specify my IMAP server’s hostname, login name, password, and security mode (TLS/SSL, port#). So far all I have found is from the sysop > admin > mail > hostaname:port#, and user’s account page email address. This is missing the user’s IMAP login, password, and doesn’t let each user specify their own server. Does EGroupware/mail restricted to one IMAP server for all accounts, and assume the user’s Egroupware login is the same (matches) the user’s their email-address & same password?

[StefanU]

If you call up the e-mail module without a configured account, the setup dialogue opens.
You can also open the account administration in the user administration or in the mail module (with configured accounts) via the context menu:

Here you can specify everything manually or go via the wizard

You can create individual accounts for users or one account for all users/groups. Then the access data must correspond to that of the mail server. That is why it makes sense to have a common user administration at least for the company’s internal mail servers. Alternatively, EGroupware can also authenticate against a mail server.

With a shared account, you can then also use a shared signature:

Automatic signature in email

---

So far all I have found is from the sysop > admin > mail > hostaname:port#, and user’s account page email address.

I think “context menu” is the magic word for you

Stefan

[justinz]

There it is – that’s exactly what I was hoping for. (It’s a bit hard to find since we don’t often see the context menu utilized in browser interfaces… But you’re employing the context menu is one of my reasons for liking EGroupware so much! )

Ok, next question… Is there a way to disable the requirement for IMAP METADATA extension? (RFC 5464)
The IMAP mail server I’m using doesn’t support METADATA extension. EGroupware mail app gives me an error: “An error happened! The server does not support the METADATA extension.” It now shows me all of my IMAP folders but none of the contents (emails).

[RalfBecker]

Is there a way to disable the requirement for IMAP METADATA extension?

The extension is only used, when you explicitly enable push for your IMAP server.
Are you sure you have not done so, maybe accidental?
It’s in Admin > Applications > Mail > Site configuration

Ralf

[justinz]

Indeed I had, thinking that field had something to do with configuring an IMAP server globally (for all user accounts). Clearing Push-Notifications field solves it.
Thanks!!!

[StefanU]

A little hint from me:
Push is great!
This way, emails are displayed directly in the mailer, not first updated by the client.
Especially if you work with several users in one (departmental/functional) mailbox, this is worth a lot.
Changes in subfolders are also displayed directly.

For this, the mail server must be able to push. We realise this in our hosting and with the installable mail server with an additional module.

More infos:

🇬🇧 Description EGroupware Mail

Apart from that you can administrate the mail server via EGroupware

Stefan