Spicebird 0.4: Thunderbird Alternative with RSS, Chat and Portal
Indian software developer Synovel released the latest 0.4 version of its groupware client, Spicebird, just a few days ago.
Spicebird is based on the Open Source mailer Mozilla Thunderbird, but adds much functionality to the basic product. Users who deploy Thunderbird with the Sunbird calendar plugin, will find that Spicebird is an interesting alternative that comes with its own RSS newsreader and an instant messaging module, and presents its features on a clear-cut and configurable portal page.
However, the software fails to provide some of the typical features that users expect of a groupware client: just like with Sunbird, Spicebird can only use local, Caldav server and ICS files on the network as data sources for calendars, and it still lacks connectors to groupware servers. According to the vendor's roadmap, the open source tool will have an Exchange connector by version 1.0. Just like most programs from the Mozilla family, Spicebird is also available for Windows and Linux.
The Mozilla Foundation caused a stir last fall when it announced that the Thunderbird mailer would be outsourced from Mozilla Corporation (as Linux Magazine reported). Many developers threatened to ditch the project – and it looks like some of them have landed at Spicebird.
Comments
comments powered by DisqusSubscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.
german links
Links to German language pages
Frustrating!