1.2. Features and functions of Open-Xchange groupware

This chapter provides an overview of the groupware functions. It provides an initial insight into the tasks that can be accomplished using the modules, and into the collaboration of the individual modules.

Note: If some of the functionality described in this manual is missing in your groupware version, please contact your administrator or host. As this is a modularized groupware it is always possible to add additional modules or functionality by purchasing an upgrade.

Start page

The start page can be used as a stepping stone into other groupware functions. On the start page you can view objects such as new E-Mail, current appointments, tasks, and InfoStore items, as well as create new objects or open another module.

E-Mail module

The E-Mail module is used for sending and receiving E-Mail. Other functions include searching, printing, copying, or creating E-Mail templates.

E-Mail attachments can be saved to the local disk or the InfoStore. When sending an E-Mail you can access the data in the contact module without having to leave the E-Mail module. If you receive an appointment invitation via E-Mail, you can directly switch to the appointment entry in the calendar module from within the E-Mail.

Contact module

The contact module is used for managing your private and business contacts. You can view, create, and edit contacts. The contact data for all groupware users is available in the global address book.

You can use the contact data for sending E-Mail, for inviting participants to appointments from within the Calendar module, or for delegating tasks to other users from within the Tasks module.

Calendar module

In the calendar module you can manage your private and business appointments. You can view, create, and edit appointments. You can create a serial appointment for appointments that repeat frequently. For detailed information you can attach documents to an appointment. If another participant invites you to an appointment you can accept or decline the invitation.

If you invite other participants to an appointment, you can use the data from the contact module. You can check whether other participants are free for the scheduled appointment and whether resources such as rooms or devices are available. Other participants are automatically notified about appointment changes.

Tasks module

In the tasks module you can manage your private and business tasks. You can view, create, and edit tasks. For detailed information you can attach documents to the task. You can manage the task by setting the start and due date and by entering the current modification status.

You can delegate tasks to other participants. If there is a document containing the task's results, you can save the document in the InfoStore.

InfoStore module

In the InfoStore module you can manage information in the form of documents, comments, or links to addresses on the Internet. You can view, create, and modify InfoStore items. In this way the InfoStore also serves as backup location for your documents.

The InfoStore also serves as a central information pool for your company's knowledge. This requires the creation of InfoStore folders that you share with other users or other teams through read or write rights. You can send InfoStore documents as a link or E-Mail attachment to other users. You can also provide knowledge to others and benefit from their knowledge at the same time.

Options

Here you can change country specific settings, the groupware's behavior and design. This also includes personal settings like your password and a vacation notice.

You can also access the function for importing contact data and appointments in MS Outlook format or in standard formats.

Sharing folders

Sharing folders is a vital part of exchanging information with other users. Each groupware object is saved in a specific folder. Use the folder tree for managing and sharing folders.

Use your personal folders to sort your E-mail, contacts, tasks, and InfoStore items.

Support your team by sharing specific folders with read or write access. Benefit from the information of others by using objects in public or shared folders for your work.