Event
Summary
Mirapoint has introduced WebMail Direct, a browser based extension of
their messaging appliance series inbox. The WebMail Direct client allows
a user to access his or her email from any web browser, regardless of
whether or not the browser is Java enabled.
Market
Impact
Well, what else is new, everyone else has a web mail client, so Mirapoint
does too. But Mirapoint does it with a twist, the WebMail Direct Client
will be accessible from any web browser, regardless of Java or frames
support. The interface appears to be much like the majority of WebMail
clients out there, but is clean, easily navigable and user friendly. One
of the key selling points, which Mirapoint is touting, is the reduced
processing overhead due to the lack of a need for a software based gateway.
The Mirapoint appliance can therefore handle more HTTP requests and in
turn speed up multiple concurrent connections.
The
pricing for the product has been initially set at $2,000 (USD) for the
ES series and $32,000 (USD) for the top of the line SP series. Given that
the SP can host well over 200,000 mailboxes, the cost of the WebMail Direct
option is minimized to approximately .16 cents a mailbox (bringing the
total cost of a mailbox, including hardware to just shy of .80 cents (US).
While
collaborative messaging packages like Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Notes,
Novell and Fischer's Totally Automated Office (TAO) are giving their web
mail clients away as part of the package, ISP and ASP messaging vendors
such as Software.com and Mirapoint do charge for theirs. It is important
to note that Mirapoint's license cost is approximately 80% less than Software.com's
web mail pricing.
User
Recommendations
A web mail client for the Mirapoint messaging appliance line has been
expected for some time, and it has arrived. The client allows for access,
from any device, any browser, any time and anywhere, crucial for Mirapoint's
success going forward. ISPs and ASPs will be able to leverage the WebMail
direct client to increase sales through a lower cost of ownership will
reducing their own overhead and providing clients a easy to use and portable
web client.