Zimbra announced the launch of Zimbra Desktop, a rich offline-capable client that allows users to have the same AJAX-based collaboration experience as offered by Zimbra's popular web-only client.

"The introduction of Zimbra Desktop means that Windows, Linux, and Mac users worldwide are no longer dependent on Internet connectivity for rich, browser-based access to Zimbra's collaboration platform," said Satish Dharmaraj, CEO, Zimbra. "The universal access that Zimbra Desktop provides represents a critical achievement; today AJAX-based Web 2.0 technologies are available no matter where a user is -- at the office, on the road, or even in the air."

Zimbra Desktop will allow users to access their email, calendar, contacts, and documents while on the road, or in places without a network connection, through the familiar AJAX-based user interface of Zimbra Web.When users come back online, all the changes while made offline, such as composing, replying to, deleting, editing or moving messages, appointments, contacts or documents, will synchronize with the Zimbra server and mobile devices.

"Ubuntu is committed to providing the best desktop experience in the world," said Mark Shuttleworth, Founder of the Ubuntu Project. "The Zimbra Desktop client will not only enhance the usability features of the world-class Zimbra Collaboration Suite, but will also provide the Ubuntu community with another compelling application for their desktop of choice."

Additional benefits of Zimbra Desktop include:

* Zimbra's web-based experience, featuring conversation views, tagging,and powerful search, is an innovative leap forward in desktop application usability

* Users are no longer forced to make jarring switches between different application interfaces because the web and desktop are unified

* Work is never interrupted by server latency or sudden outages becauseZimbra Desktop goes from online to offline mode seamlessly and automatically

* Faster search, better rich mail rendering, and a self-organizing inbox are more adept handling larger email volumes than traditional clients

* Significantly reduced administration overhead managing and maintaining local files; they are synced to the Zimbra server where they can be safeguarded

* Future versions will connect multiple accounts, including those on a Zimbra server and/or external POP/IMAP servers

* Supports Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems such as Ubuntu and Red Hat out of the gate

* Compatibility with leading browsers such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari

* Zimbra Desktop is open source and does not require incremental investment overhead or have the lock-in associated with proprietary email clients