Email based knowledge base

[jonno_081]

Hi all,

I'm looking into email based knowledge base software. We have clients who have email, but no access to internet, so what I'd like is a system where the user could access the kb via email.

For instance, a user could send a blank mail to kb(at)domain.co.za. The system would pick this up and send back a menu...

The user then replies with the menu item (s)he wants to look at.

So, my question is, is there already an open source solution to this? If not, its something that I might consider doing in my spare time and releasing it as open source.

Any opinions?

 

[RSkeens]

To be honest I don't see end users really making use of it instead of just sending their question. In my opinion, the users who genuinely want to use the KB will use the web based one.

 

[Nod]

Wouldn't it be just simpler to install a web server on the network?
Something like this could work.

 

[jonno_081]

Hi RSkeens

Yes, I suppose users not using it would be somewhat problematic. In some cases you can't just tell a user to get access to internet. These are big corporations (mines) who have strict policies and they won't be giving access to people no matter how much I plead.

Nod, Yes, in most cases we already do have a local server running. The only reason I want a remote one is to make sure they have access to the latest kb. I suppose I could always add an "Update KB" page and then email them the latest SQL file to import through that screen...

Thanks for the link. I'm going to install it on one of my servers as a test...

John

 

[werner]

content removed

 

[grok]

Dunno what software was used but a colleague set up a email discussion group for us Oracle techies a while ago. Check out http://www.saotug.co.za/. You register by sending an email & from then on all communications between registered users gets distributed via email. It seems the server is running Lyris Listmanager software. He's not answering his phone today but I will try & find out if you're still interested.

Turns out he rented a server for the purpose. He says to also look at majordomo mailer list manager software (http://www.greatcircle.com/majordomo/)

 

[jonno_081]

Hi There Evilstebunny...

Its far too late at night, and I need to leave here in 4 hours, but I can't sleep, so catching up on some posts....

Thanks, but I think I'm going to go with the comment above. Run the kb on a local server and send updates which they can import. Seems like the easiest option at the moment....

I will however look at the links you provided, never know when they might be handy...

John

PS, insomnia sucks!