Using smart phones with Zimbra

Zimbra mobile web interface

Any device with the ability to connect to the Internet (either via a wi-fi connection or a cellular data connection) can be used to log in to the Zimbra web interface, which provides access to Zimbra’s e-mail and calendar functions. Some mobile devices will automatically load the mobile version of the web interface, but if yours does not, you can specifically request the mobile version by going to https://zimbra.snc.edu/zimbra/m/.

Phone/device operating systems

The main factor to consider when looking to purchase a smart phone or other device for use with Zimbra is the device’s operating system. Most Android, Apple, Windows Mobile, and Palm devices can be made to interface with the Zimbra system, while Blackberry devices cannot. There's no way to say for certain if a particular phone will work properly with Zimbra until you try it. For this reason, make sure that your phone can be returned in case you are not happy with the way it works with Zimbra. Also, keep in mind that phone operating system upgrades may cause a phone to stop working with Zimbra.

If your device cannot sync with Zimbra using its native applications, you can still access Zimbra via the mobile web interface described above.

Android

The native e-mail, calendar, and contact applications in the Android phone operating system can usually be synchronized with Zimbra's e-mail, calendar, and contact applications, but there may be some devices or operating system versions that simply will not connect with the native applications.

Apple

The native e-mail, calendar, and contact applications on the Apple iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch can be synchronized with Zimbra's e-mail, calendar, and contact applications. For setup information, see Zimbra iPhone, iPod, & iPad Configuration (PDF).

Blackberry

The native e-mail, calendar, and contact applications on Blackberry devices cannot be synchronized with Zimbra, but since the devices have Internet access, they can use the Zimbra mobile web interface described above. Blackberry devices are not supported.

Palm

Palm-based devices running VersaMail 3.5 or higher* will work with Zimbra, but the built in e-mail application may only allow you to see your Inbox. If needed, third-party software packages can be purchased (e.g., SnapperMail Enterprise) that will allow you to see all of your e-mail folders. (*Using any version of VersaMail older than 3.5 may result in data loss.)

Windows Mobile

While older Windows Mobile devices allowed full functionality with all e-mail folders, calendar, and contacts, we do not have any experience with newer Windows Mobile devices. Again, as long as the device has Internet access, it can use the Zimbra mobile web interface described above.

Testing/Refunds

Most mobile phone carriers have a refund policy allowing you to return your phone within a certain time frame if you are not happy with it. We strongly recommend using a carrier that gives you this option so that you can test your new device with Zimbra while it can still be returned, in case you are not happy with the way it works with Zimbra. If you need assistance from Technology Support Services to connect your device, be sure to contact us as soon as possible after getting the device, well before the return period ends. We will try to assist you in connecting your device, but we obviously cannot be familiar with all devices. Also, keep in mind that there may be some devices that simply will not connect or work with Zimbra and that there is nothing that St. Norbert College can do to change that. There's no way to say for certain if a particular device will work properly with Zimbra until you try it.

Zimbra Server/Connection Information

For the details you need to set up Zimbra on a mobile device, see the Zimbra Server Information page.

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Assistance and questions

If you have any questions or need more information, contact the Information Services Desk at (920) 403-4040 or servicedesk@snc.edu. The Information Services Desk is for St. Norbert College students and employees only.