Strato offers customisable Communicator webmail service with Facebook and LinkedIn syncing

Strato has launched a webmail service for businesses that allows users to customise the interface and incorporate widgets and newsfeeds alongside their email.

The Communicator service is designed specifically for enterprise use, as it is based on the open source Open-Xchange platform, and Strato will offer basic and premium packages.

Customers that sign up to hosting and web shop packages will be provided with basic mailboxes at no extra charge, allowing them to manage emails, appointments, tasks and contacts.

The interface is customisable so that users can drag and drop inboxes, news feeds and widgets onto the interface.

Meanwhile, the premium mailbox will provide additional functionality to integrate information from social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

Premium inbox users will also be able to remotely collaborate with colleagues via groupware features, and synchronise emails, contacts and appointments with smartphones and tablets using Exchange Active Sync.

Additionally, a team calendar allows users to communicate with friends, colleagues and customers. The manager function means that tasks can be delegated to employees, and the secretary function allows assistants to manage appointments.

All mailboxes have Strato's patented spam protection filter, and all data is stored in Germany and is subject to strict data protection regulations, the firm said.

Strato charges £4.99 per month for the premium inbox on a 12-month contract.

The firm also allows users of the basic mailbox to trial the premium service for 90 days free of charge. Customers can cancel the premium features at any point during the trial in the customer service area.

The Communicator product is ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises looking for a professional communications platform, according to René Wienholtz, executive director of IT and innovation at Strato.

"The success of a business is always dependent on good communication and organisation. With a premium mailbox we equip our customers with all the important features they require to co-ordinate their work with colleagues and supervisors in the office everyday," he told V3.co.uk.