GroupWise
| Company type | Software product |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer software, Collaboration software |
| Predecessor | WordPerfect Office, Novell GroupWise, Micro Focus GroupWise |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Founder | WordPerfect Corporation |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Email, calendaring, personal information management, instant messaging, document management |
| Owner | OpenText |
| Parent | OpenText |
| Website | www |
GroupWise is a comprehensive communication and collaboration solution developed by OpenText, encompassing functionalities such as email, calendaring, personal information management, instant messaging, and document handling. This system provides desktop client applications for Windows and server components compatible with Windows Server and Linux environments.
The platform features WebAccess, a webmail client accessible through browsers, alongside mobile connectivity enabled by the GroupWise Mobility Service utilizing the Exchange ActiveSync protocol. Enterprise-level instant messaging and presence awareness are facilitated via GroupWise Messenger, which is seamlessly integrated into the suite.
Initially created under the ownership of WordPerfect, Novell, and Attachmate, the product was rebranded as Micro Focus GroupWise following Micro Focus's acquisition of Attachmate in 2014. After Micro Focus was acquired by OpenText, the product adopted its current designation, OpenText GroupWise. The most recent release is version 24.4.
Summary
GroupWise supports server installations on both Linux and Windows platforms; support for Novell NetWare ended with the 2012 release. The client software is exclusively available for Windows; earlier Java-based clients for macOS and Linux have been discontinued. Previously, connectors existed for integration with Microsoft Outlook (now deprecated) and Evolution.
The WebAccess component replicates nearly all desktop client functions within web browsers and offers an interface optimized for mobile devices. The original GroupWise Mobility Service, which leveraged Nokia technology to synchronize email with mobile devices, was replaced around 2010 by a new mobile gateway supporting Exchange ActiveSync for platforms including iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry 10.
Mailboxes are accessible through various protocols: the Post Office Agent manages IMAP and SOAP connections, while the Internet Agent handles SMTP as well as IMAP, POP3, SOAP, and iCalendar protocols.
Since version 6.5, instant messaging has been incorporated into GroupWise to serve corporate users with features like directory integration and encryption. Supported clients span Windows, Linux, Mac, BlackBerry devices, and multiprotocol messaging applications such as Kopete and Pidgin.
GroupWise also provides the ability to export address book data in the Novell Address Book (.NAB) format.
As of 2024, licensing for GroupWise 24.4 includes complimentary access to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for deploying the server software. Additionally, OpenText’s Open Workgroup Suite packages GroupWise within its broader collaboration toolset.
History
The initial development of this product was undertaken by WordPerfect Corporation with significant contributions from key clients including the US Department of Justice and system administrators from smaller agencies. The original WordPerfect Library contained utilities such as Personal Calendar, Editor, Notebook, Calculator, File Manager, and Shell but did not offer email or calendaring capabilities.
- 1987: WordPerfect Library expanded to support DOS.
- 1988: Introduction of email and calendaring features led to rebranding as "WordPerfect Office 2.0."
- 1990: WordPerfect Office 3.0 extended compatibility to Macintosh and UNIX systems and supported multiple servers with cross-server email and scheduling functions.
- 1992: Version 3.1 launched a Windows client along with cross-platform support for VAX/VMS systems; remote asynchronous communication and wireless functionality were added.
- 1993: Version 4.0 debuted a redesigned user interface alongside database-driven message storage; introduced task management, server-side rules processing, remote synchronization capabilities, centralized administrative tools, native 32-bit server support; simultaneously released across multiple platforms; included gateways for SMTP, X.400, fax, pager services, and PROFS integration.
Novell
In 1994, Novell took ownership of WordPerfect and adapted its server elements to operate on the NetWare operating system. The WordPerfect Office suite was rebranded as GroupWise and integrated with Novell Directory Services, later known as eDirectory. By 1996, Novell divested most of the WordPerfect applications to Corel but maintained control over GroupWise.
GroupWise 4.1, released in 1994, introduced several enhancements such as NetWare Loadable Modules (NLMs), gateway support, embedded web links within objects, tools for third-party developers, deeper NetWare integration and administration, SNMP capabilities, live maintenance without requiring server downtime, an integrated listserver, and remote access through touch-tone telephone.
The GroupWise WebAccess component debuted in 1996 as an optional extension enabling browser-based access over the Internet.
With the arrival of GroupWise 5 in 1996, features like universal message management, collaborative document handling, GroupWise Imaging for scanned documents (powered by Computhink), conferencing capabilities, the Universal Mailbox concept, client/server architecture, shared folder support, and integration with Novell Directory Services were introduced. Notably, the native Macintosh client was discontinued in favor of web-based access solutions.
Version 5.2, launched in 1997, broadened Internet protocol support by adding IMAP4, LDAP, POP3, embedded URLs, native TCP/IP compatibility, and introduced GroupWise Workflow functionality.
The 5.5 update in 1998 improved core groupware functions through full-text indexing and enhanced adherence to Internet standards alongside strengthened security measures.
Incorporating Computhink’s imaging technology into GroupWise versions 6 and 6.5 during 2003 allowed for more sophisticated document management capabilities.
GroupWise 6.5 Service Pack 1 (2004) expanded platform support by including Linux server compatibility.
The release of GroupWise Mobile Server in 2006 utilized Nokia Intellisync technology to provide synchronization of emails, contacts, calendars, and notes across diverse handheld devices.
GroupWise 7 arrived in 2005 featuring a revamped Windows client interface along with an updated WebAccess experience.
November 2008 saw the launch of GroupWise 8 ("Bonsai"), which introduced new functionalities such as Calendar Publishing; subsequent service packs followed with SP1 in August 2009 and SP2 in July 2010.
In September 2010, Novell unveiled the Data Synchronizer Mobility Pack as a successor to GroupWise Mobile Server. This complimentary offering for GroupWise and associated products facilitated two-way synchronization between GroupWise and ActiveSync-compatible mobile devices as well as third-party enterprise applications including Novell Vibe, SharePoint, Salesforce.com, and SugarCRM.
Data Synchronizer Mobility Pack version 1.2 (August 2011) brought HTML support for Apple devices along with improved scalability. Later updates through mid-2012 enhanced system performance and quality, provided administrators with better device limit controls, and introduced additional features.
GroupWise 2012 (released January 2012) advanced mobile device compatibility by adding new web-based templates for iPad users and overhauling the WebAccess interface; it also incorporated social collaboration tools through integration with Novell Vibe and Skype.
December 2013 marked the introduction of GroupWise Mobility Service 2.0 which replaced the Data Synchronizer Mobility Pack for mobile synchronization tasks. This version delivered full ActiveSync protocol version 12.1 support, greater server scalability, expanded operating system compatibility including synchronization of tasks and phone messages; improved address book handling; plus a redesigned administrative console featuring user and device sync status views, monitoring dashboards, email notifications, and broadened authentication options encompassing both GroupWise backend and LDAP integration.
Micro Focus GroupWise
Released in April 2014, GroupWise 2014 introduced directory independence, enabling individual accounts to connect with eDirectory, Active Directory, or operate entirely without a directory service. This version also brought a web-based administration console and a REST API, which removed the dependency on ConsoleOne and eDirectory for management tasks. The GroupWise 2014 client received interface improvements and enhanced usability features, while the WebAccess client added automatic refresh and new message alerts, adopting a visual style consistent with the desktop application.
Versions
Below is a list of GroupWise versions that have been launched:
| GroupWise Version | Most Recent Service Pack | Codename | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | SP5 | Houston | 1994 |
| 5.0 (XTD) | Eclipse | 1996 | |
| 5.0 (slipstream) | Tommy | 1996 | |
| 5.1 | SP2a | Black Widow | 1997 |
| 5.2 | SP6 | Jolt | 1997 |
| 5.5 | SP5 | Surge | 1998 |
| 5.5 EP | SP5 | Aruba | 1999 |
| 6.0 | SP4 | Bulletproof | 2001 |
| 6.5 | SP6 Update 2 | Hawthorne | 2003 |
| 6.5.3 | Delano | 2004 | |
| 7.0 | SP4 | Sequoia | 2005 |
| 8.0 | SP3 HP5 | Bonsai | 2008 |
| 2012 | SP4 | Ascot/Cardiff | 2012 |
| 2014 | 2014 R2 HP1 | Windermere | 2014 |
| 2014 R2 | SP3 | Cornell | 2015 |
| 18 | SP2 | Wasatch | 2017 |
| 18.1 | SP1 | Traverse | 2018 |
| 18.2 | SP1 | Traverse | 2019 |
| 18.3 | SP1 | 2020 | |
| 18.4 | SP1 | 2022 | |
| 18.5 | 2023 | ||
| 23.4 | 2023 | ||
| 24.1 | 2023 | ||
| 24.2 | 2024 | ||
| 24.3 | 2024 | ||
| 24.4 | 2024 |