Cyrus Retirement

Cyrus Email Service Retirement

ISS plans to move all users of the Cyrus email system (including RWS users) to the Exchange email service.

Why is this happening?

ISS provided the Cyrus email serivce as an alternative to those who, up to now, couldn't use the Microsoft Exchange email service (for example, Mac or Linux users). New features on the Exchange system which have been added in recent years mean that these users can now be catered for and as such ISS no longer needs to maintain two separate email systems, which is inefficient and costly.

What benefits does Exchange email give me?

The Exchange email system provides several benefits including:

  • The ability to share calendars with other University users
  • Access to Exchange Archive Service for long-term archival of email
  • Comprehensive webmail access via Outlook Web Access (OWA)
  • Support for "push" email to mobile devices
  • A central global address book for all users with a Newcastle University email address

When will the change take place?

We are aiming to have all existing Cyrus email users migrated by September 2011. This will be done in stages and you will receive an email informing you of when your email account is due to move.

Will I lose access to email during the move?

No, on your migration date the switch over to the Exchange system will be instantaneous and all new messages will be delivered to your Exchange account. Even if your usual email software needs to be reconfigured for the new service you will always be able to access your email via Outlook Web Access.

What will happen to my old email?

We will transfer email in your old account into your new account for you on your migration date. Access to your old account will be available for a couple of weeks after the transfer just in case anything is left behind.

Note that we cannot transfer any address books you may have in the existing Remote Webmail (RWS), however you can save a copy of your address book to your computer by going to "Addresses, Export" in RWS.

How do I reconfigure my email software for the new service?

Users who are happy to reconfigure their email software themselves can find information on the Exchange documentation site, otherwise please contact your local computing officer.