Forum Moderators: phranque
I currently answer all our customer inquiries (consumer goods etail site) just off a single computer using microsoft outlook (this is from home). we're moving into a new office and I'm now faced with the dilemna of not being able to track who I have responded to if I reply from the home and the office.
What I am looking for is a way to manage all these emails, preferably web based so I can check from any location. I have looked at some help desk software (meant more for tech support), but haven't found one that suits my needs. I'm on a Windows host and wondering if anyone has any ideas.
How do others manage their emails with different customer service reps? I'm on a budget so a solution $300 and less would be preferable.
Thanks.
Rather than download email using POP, I use a protocol called IMAP.
With IMAP, all the mail is stored on the server, and your email client makes it look like its on your local computer. You can move messages around, create and delete folders, answer email; and all of it is done on the remote server transparently. This allows me to answer email anywhere I want, with no chance of missing replies, or double-answering -- since its all in one place, totally in sync.
You mentioned that you are on a Windows host, but I'm not sure if you mean your own computer is Windows, or if the server you check mail from is Windows. I'm most definately not a Windows server expert, but I believe that MS Exchange uses IMAP or something similar underneath. I have no idea if this is within the $300 budget you specified.
If you are running on a Unix-like system, check our Courier IMAP and qmail for the SMTP. I have a similar system set up in my office with Redhat linux and it works beautifully. And best of all its free.
PHP 4.0.6 or greater (Latest version recommended)
PHP IMAP Extension (C-Client version 2000 or higher recommended)
Working PHP Session support
then V-Webmail [v-webmail.org] is worh a look - and it's free :)
