Highlights:
- Student email will be powered by Google beginning May 14, 2010
- Students will keep their current OkraMail address (i.e. jdoe@okramail.deltastate.edu)
- All automated processes will continue to operate as they do now (official university mail, account creations, etc)
- Improvements include 7GB of storage, ability to access email over mobile devices, calendar, and access to many popular Google Apps
Action Required: None! OIT is taking care of everything for you!
Beginning May 14, 2010 at 7:00 a.m. CST, OIT staff will begin move all existing OkraMail accounts, including all existing email, to the Google OkraMail system. During this migration period, mail will be unavailable but will continue to queue for delivery once mail is brought back online no later than Sunday, May 16 @ 6:00 P.M. CST. The first time you log in to the new system, you should change your password by clicking on the "change password" link below the login information.
Background: Over the past 18 months, OIT began exploring alternatives to the current student email system, more commonly known as “OkraMail”. The goal of this project was to find an email option for students that would provide a rich set of features and would integrate with existing systems.
The current OkraMail solution (product of iMail) was originally deployed in 2004. The needs of our students have changed substantially since that time. Today’s email contains media-rich content and is expected to be available on mobile devices. The expense of acquiring more storage and adding these enhanced features to the OkraMail system was found to be cost prohibitive.
Recommendations: After reviewing a number of possible email alternatives, the decision was made to take a closer look at Google's Gmail solution. After consultation with a number of other campuses, OIT approached the Information Technology Governance Council (ITGC), the Student Government Association (SGA) and Faculty Senate for their input and support. All three entities support the move to Gmail for DSU students, with an implementation timeline of May 14, 2010.
