Groupware

Groupware is a class of software that lets teams share mail, calendars, contacts, tasks and documents. It replaces isolated single applications with an integrated environment. Well known examples are Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Zimbra, Open Xchange and Tutanota. On the open source side you find SOGo or Kopano.

Functional scope

Classic groupware offers a mail server, a calendar with shared appointments, address book synchronisation, task management and a document area for shared files. Modern platforms add chat, video conferencing, notes, whiteboards and integration with external tools. Synchronisation uses standards such as IMAP, CalDAV, CardDAV and ActiveSync.

Selection criteria

Hosting model, data protection, number of users, storage needs and integrations matter when choosing. EU providers score on data protection, US providers on feature depth. Self hosting offers maximum control but requires operational effort. During migrations, format compatibility and synchronisation of existing data are typical pitfalls.

Context in daily marketing

In day to day marketing, groupware forms the daily working environment for mail exchanges, meeting scheduling and shared documents. For sending to external recipient lists, a specialised platform like JD Mail is the right choice, because groupware mail servers are designed for one to one communication and large recipient volumes quickly run into deliverability problems.