New WiscMail launched to campus

UW-Madison launched its new WiscMail Web mail client this week. Based on feedback from campus, the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) created the new interface for faster and easier e-mailing, with more features.

Currently, the new mail client is available through the WiscMail section at the MyUW portal and clicking “Try the New Web Client,” and eventually will be available automatically through the WiscMail web site.

The updated version offers much of the functionality of Thunderbird, Outlook or Apple Mail — without having to install or configure anything on your computer.

Pat Brennan, who manages the WiscMail service for UW–Madison, said DoIT initially gathered feedback from students, faculty and staff in the summer and fall of 2008 to determine which features customers wanted in their e-mail client.

“We conducted surveys with customers and a focus group with DoIT’s Student Advisory Committee that helped us choose which features to include in the initial upgrade,” Brennan said.

After upgrading this spring, the mail team tested the product and introduced the pilot in July 2009 to small groups of customers, Brennan added. By September several thousand customers were testing the new interface.

“Our pilot testers have been very generous with their time, and the feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive and constructive,” Brennan said. “As a result we have been able to identify a detailed list of issues to fine-tune and new features to develop.”

Some of the most commonly requested features included the ability to keep several messages open at once and multi-task, to move messages with drag and drop, and to integrate with the UW–Madison People search directory.

Based on these requests, the mail team added the following features to make communicating better:

•    Tabs let you read and write multiple messages. Use the Preview Pane to see message contents without leaving your Inbox.

•    Search through all your messages fast, without opening a new window.

•    Use drag and drop to move messages to specific folders, including Trash.

•    One click sends a message or adds a person to your address book.

•    Start typing a UW–Madison name and People Search quickly pops it in.

•    If you like the features of Thunderbird, Outlook or Apple Mail you’ll love the new WiscMail web.

“The next release planned for the late spring of 2010, will focus on customer requests for greater customization.  Enhanced color themes, better control of embedded images, and more control over features like the preview pane are being pursued,” said Brennan.

The mail team encourages users to watch an introductory video to familiarize themselves with the new features and conversion options at www.doit.wisc.edu/wiscmail/web_client/