Western Carolina University has chosen Microsoft’s Windows Live as its new e-mail system for WCU students. Once implemented, Windows Live will replace current server-based e-mail accounts, becoming students’ official university-business account system. The rollout is scheduled to begin in summer session with student orientation groups and be fully in place when new and returning students start classes in August.

A new product with a focus on faster, simpler and safer service, Windows Live is Web-based, which will allow students to conveniently access its services and official university communications from any location with Internet access.

“We did an extensive review of the all of the major options to enhance e-mail services for our students, and Windows Live became the clear choice. It provides students with a very robust system that is still a ‘wcu.edu’ address,” said Bil Stahl, chief information officer.

Each Windows Live student e-mail account will offer two gigabytes of storage, spam blocking, a calendaring system, automatic spellchecking, custom filters and a user-friendly interface similar to that of Microsoft Outlook. Additional services include a “classic” version for Mac and dial-up users and the automatic creation of an alumni account after graduation, which will allow students to keep their accounts through life, if desired.

Students enrolled in WCU’s May mini-mester session will be part of a pilot group led by members of the Division of Information Technology in which new e-mail accounts will be created and tested; students enrolled in regular summer session will be among the first to receive the new Catamount E-mail powered by Windows Live account. Old e-mail accounts for returning students will be kept active for a period of time in the fall to give those students time to migrate their existing e-mail messages.

The Division of Information Technology is planning support materials and communication updates for the transition to the new e-mail system. This information will be made available on the IT Web site at http://www.wcu.edu/it. Faculty and staff e-mail accounts will continue to use Microsoft Outlook.

For more information on Catamount E-mail powered by Windows Live, contact the IT Help Desk at (828) 227-7487 (7ITS), (866) 928-7487 (toll free) or ithelp@wcu.edu  .