Latest GroupWise is the most complete out-of-the-box collaboration and messaging on the market

Novell has announced the availability of Novell GroupWise 6, collaboration software that allows internal and external users to communicate and work together across all types of networks as one Net.

With unmatched reliability, scalability and manageability that provides users access anytime, anywhere from virtually any device, GroupWise 6 includes e-mail, calendaring, document management and workflow services. It is the first and only integrated collaboration product to include wireless connectivity in the box as a built-in function.

Driving new features to the more than 20 million current GroupWise users as well as to new customers, Novell GroupWise 6 will improve user access and productivity while reducing costs through increased reliability and simplified management.

According to Novell e-business solutions manager James Thomas, responsiveness and productivity are critical to the success of any organisation. "With its `anywhere, anytime` access, GroupWise 6 lets individuals and organisations expand the scope of where and how collaboration takes place. Deskless employees - many of whom have traditionally not been connected to corporate collaboration systems - are now able to share their knowledge, ideas and resources like never before, increasing productivity and responsiveness to customers. Users are always in the `collaboration zone,` meaning they are able to collaborate with customers, co-workers, etc., wherever they are with virtually any device."

Chris Duffy, communications manager for Rockford Corporation, said, "Nearly our entire sales force works remotely, which makes it very difficult for them to access and respond to important messages until they get back to the office and sometimes that`s just too late. The release of Novell GroupWise 6 can provide our sales force with immediate, timely access to e-mail, appointments and other information, so they quickly respond to the needs of customers. Today`s Net economy demands that kind of immediate customer service in order to build customer loyalty, increase revenue and ultimately grow our business."

Novell GroupWise 6 is tightly integrated with Novell NDS eDirectory, the leading enterprise directory service, and operates across network operating systems including Novell NetWare and Windows NT/2000. In addition, GroupWise 6 includes wireless access to key collaboration and administration tools along with partner workflow, business process, universal messaging and document management tools. Devices that can access GroupWise 6 services include desktop and laptop computers, wireless telephones, PDAs and RIM devices.

Ashim Pal, director of Web & Collaboration Strategies for META Group, commented, "By 2004, over 50 percent of knowledge workers will have some form of wireless data access to corporate applications to enhance timely information delivery and customer response. To fully manage and exploit the capabilities of new applications access mechanisms, organisations will need to plan for wireless as a core infrastructure component rather than treat it as an optional add-in."

GroupWise 6 allows internal and external users to communicate and work together across all types of networks and leading operating systems as one Net. It enables organisations to secure and power Web- and wireless-based collaborative environments with unprecedented access. As a result, users are able to expand their collaboration zones and securely integrate with suppliers and customers. Thomas adds: "Novell GroupWise 6 is the most complete collaboration solution out-of-the-box on the market today, with features like document management and wireless mailbox access included at no additional cost. GroupWise 6 is more than just a product upgrade, it is the only single collaboration solution capable of meeting the business requirements of today`s Net economy. It will reduce our customers` administration costs, be tremendously reliable and allow them to get more out of their hardware investment."

Specific benefits to GroupWise 6 customers include collaboration and messaging that is highly available, secure, and works across platforms and on any device.

Simplify communications throughout the Net - GroupWise 6 provides flexible integrated e-mail, scheduling and task, contact and document management capabilities across traditional, Web-based, and wireless clients enabling organisations to streamline internal and external communications.

Secure the confidentiality and availability of vital information - Adherence to the highest industry standards for security provides complete confidentiality and authentication of communications through every point in the system, with no loss of performance or flexibility, enabling users to confidently conduct eBusiness.

Accelerate organisational responsiveness and productivity - GroupWise 6 increases the responsiveness and productivity of individuals and groups across the Net, allowing organisations to rapidly share information and collaborate in responding to rapidly changing market conditions. Integration with NDS eDirectory drives administrative efficiency that lowers costs and enables administrators to join forces with lines of business in adapting and optimising business processes. GroupWise 6 leverages Novell Cluster Services and the extreme reliability of Novell NetWare to ensure 99.99 percent availability and near-instantaneous responsiveness of vital communications systems.