This blog post will cover how you can use your Zimbra directory for limited storage needs. Here is how:

Enter the following (replacing the bold section, of course) in the webdav-enabled utility of your choice.

https://zimbra.xmission.com/dav/your full email address here/Briefcase

Upon connecting it will likely prompt you to enter your username and password.  If you prefer to mount your primary Zimbra directory, simply leave off “/Briefcase”

For Mac OS X, in Finder, use the “Go” menu, and choose “Connect to Server” and enter in the above URL.

In Windows XP, the internal webdav implementation is buggy, particularly with ssl (security protocol), so we recommend you use Novell’s Netdrive. Novell has allowed free redistribution of Netdrive. Click Here to download Novell Netdrive.Then, add a new server using the above url. By default, Netdrive doesn’t use any form of authentication, so be sure to turn “Anonymous” off and enter your Zimbra username and password.

A note about the Windows Vista environment. Netdrive doesn’t work with Vista, and it’s webdav implementation suffers from similar problems as XP, we recommend Webdrive for WebDAV on Vista. A trial demo is available at http://www.webdrive.com, and it can be purchased on-line for $59.95.

As usual with linux, there are a number of solutions, from KDE’s Konqueror to dedicated filesystem drivers. Pick the solution that’s right for your environment and follow the instructions.

I use this to transfer files directly into my Zimbra Briefcase. I could simply use the “upload +” navigation button from within the Briefcase pane;  however, I like the mounted drive option as I can simply drag and drop my files and allow them to load in the background while I go about my normal business in my Zimbra web interface.

Quota: Our system provides Premium accounts with 6G and Standard account with 3G of storage for all your Zimbra suite needs. Make sure you leave plenty of room in there for work requirements. XMission allows you to increase storage on any of the Zimbra account levels up to 12G of storage ($1 per GB/month). If you get close to filling your allotted quota it is likely to cause problems so watch the progress bar in the top left corner of your browser.

The web interface has a progress bar indicating how much of your quota is in use. It is very handy.

WWW Interface - Quota Indicator

This drive mapping option it is a very handy feature for small to medium storage needs.

Apple OS X appearance:

OS X (Mac) - Your Zimbra Storage as Remote Drive

Windows appearance:

Windows XP - Your Zimbra Storage as Remote Drive

Linux appearance:

Linux - Your Zimbra Storage as Remote Drive

XMission provides 3 distinct levels of Zimbra groupware services for our business clients, all of which are a substantial upgrade from our previous business level email-only services. No matter how large or small your company is, XMission has a solution for you.

XMission’s Zimbra suite is so flexible and dynamic. If you spend just a little time with it, something new will amaze you every week. I regularly discover something new and useful and I’ve been on the system for 6 months now.

I hope this post helps familiarize you with the powerful Zimbra interface and how to use it to your benefit. We have some great Zimbra screencasts posted in our Hosted Email support wiki.

Should you have any questions about implementing the Zimbra Collaboration Suite for your business please drop me a line – I’ll be happy to chat with you.

Go XMission!

Special thanks to Joaquin, XMission’s Email Systems Administrator, for his input on this article.

If you have a DSL router with a DHCP server that is on by default (Actiontec 1524/GT701/GT704/M1000, 2Wire 2701HG), getting your PS3 online is a simple matter of plugging in an ethernet cable and firing up your PS3.

Once you’re at the XMB (Xross Media Bar – Sony loves crazy acronyms!) navigate over to the settings icon, then down to ‘Network Settings’, which should be at the bottom of the list.  Hit X and scroll down to ‘Internet Connection Settings’.  Select ‘Easy’ and press right on the D-pad.  The PS3 will attempt to automatically discover the network settings.  If successful, a Settings List will be displayed.  Review this if you like, then press X.  After you do this you will be prompted to test the settings.  Hit X again to start the test.  If ‘Obtain an IP Address’ and ‘Internet Connection’ both show ‘Succeeded’ then you’re ready to start using your PS3 online!

If you have a Cisco 675/678 router you will need to manually configure the PS3 settings.  From the Internet Connection Settings menu select Custom > Wired Connection > Manual Settings > Auto-Detect > Manual.  At this screen you are presented with 5 settings.  Enter the following addresses in the corresponding field:

• IP Address: 10.0.0.10 (or any unused number between .10 and .255)
• Subnet Mask: Leave at 255.255.255.0
• Default Router: 10.0.0.1
• Primary DNS: 198.60.22.2
• Secondary DNS: 198.60.22.22

After you’ve entered these settings keep pressing right until you get to the settings list.  Review it to be sure there are no errors then press the X button to save your settings.

Voilà, your PS3 is now ready to connect to the network.  Once connected, be sure to stop by the PlayStation Store to check out new demos, free themes (the Metal Gear Solid 4 theme is especially nice) and more!