Users can reply to each others messages within a 'conversation' or topic. Screen the contents of messages before publishing with moderated public folders. This is useful when you want to enforce certain guidelines or policies. People have fast access to files created in other programs, such as Microsoft Excel or Word. Share Outlook items in a schedule, contact list, or task list.
People can review information that is constantly updated.
For example, you might use a course team diary folder to show team meetings and holidays, a contacts folder to make information about the staff teaching on a course available to students, and a team tasks folder to help everyone keep track of work on a project. No other software is provided as a central service in the University, but many packages are available that could be mounted on a local server to provide similar facilities, if you prefer them to Outlook. These systems allow users to create a forum on a particular topic and specify who can use it. They are free so you will have to endure advertising. Popular services include ezboard , World Crossing and those associated with portals like Yahoo UK Clubs and Excite Clubs .