Mulberry offers e-mail alternative

by Sara Bisker
For The Post

Ohio University has added another e-mail client, Mulberry, which is similar to ExecMail but offers a more reliable system for users, an Ohio University Communication Network Services official said.

Mulberry was introduced last quarter because Messaging Direct, the manufacturer of ExecMail, has decided to not upgrade the program, said Dave Steortz, CNS Desktop Support Manager. ExecMail still will be available to its current users, although students should try Mulberry.

Messaging Direct was unable to compete with free e-mail clients such as Hotmail and Yahoo!, he said.

"We do not want to stick with a dead-end product," Steortz said.

Mulberry is simpler to use than ExecMail, he said. Students do not need to enter server addresses to check their mail with Mulberry.

Cyrusoft International Inc. manufactures, supports and upgrades Mulberry. Cyrusoft employees also are working with Ohio University to determine what features students need. Upgrades for Mulberry will depend on these needs. Steortz said the manufacturers of ExecMail never upgraded their program, and ExecMail was made unavailable for future downloads during winter break.

Students already are aware of Mulberry, Steortz said.

"Literally thousands (of students) have already downloaded the program," he said.

To download the Mulberry email client, students can visit CNS's Web site at http://www.cns.ohio.edu. Students can then click on the "Download" link located under the "Mulberry Available" article.

When downloading is complete, students must enter their Oak login and password. After students use Mulberry for the first time, they no longer have to reenter their passwords, Steortz said.