Introducing Web Suite Basic

About Web Suite Standard and Basic:

If you are using the soon-to-be-discontinued “webmail1.webmail.aol.com” version of the Web Suite, you have two alternatives to use from now on: Basic and Standard versions. The Basic version was created for those with slower connection speeds and older systems that may not have enough computing “horse power” to be used with the Standard version.


The Standard version is designed for use with modern computers (with current OS, browsers, and full AJAX support) that have a fast, broadband internet connection. As long as your computer is compatible with both versions, you can switch back-and-forth between the two at any time by using the link at the very bottom of the screen after logging in.

As long as your computer is compatible, you can use the following web addresses to go directly to either version. If your computer does not meet all the system requirements, the Basic version will be the only option. If you experience any difficulty logging into either one, make sure to clear your browser’s cache AND cookies files.

Web Suite Standard - http://mail.aol.com

Web Suite Basic - http://basic.mail.aol.com



Written by guest blogger Rose, Product Manager, AOL Web Suite

Hi Mail Blog readers!

I’m guest blogging for Tae today to let you know about an exciting new offering from AOL Mail. For the past few months, my team and I have been working on something called Web Suite Basic. As you may remember, Tae had previously mentioned an upcoming lightweight web mail in this entry.

So, what is Web Suite Basic?

Web Suite Basic is a web-based mail and address book product that is ideal for narrow band, legacy systems, and accessibility. It is a lightweight application that, in technical jargon, uses minimal DHTML and JavaScript (is easier for older computers to handle). We also stripped down the “bells and whistles” so it’s optimized for speed. Web Suite Basic is also screen reader friendly. We have included basic tabbing and keyboard controls for ease of use. Best of all, it looks and feels like Web Suite Standard, to provide you (our loyal users) a seamless experience!

Is Web Suite Basic for you?

- If you are on a dialup connection (56k, 128k, etc)…
- If you are using an older operating system (Windows 98, Windows 2000, Mac OS 10.4.9) or browser (Internet Explorer 5.5, Firefox 1.0, Safari 1.3, 2.0.1-3.) …
- If you are an accessibility user or use a screen reader…
- If you want a faster e-mail experience without needing access to your calendar, pictures or AIM…

Then Web Suite Basic is for you! The product will be available on the Beta site starting later this week. Stay tuned and I’m sure Tae will let you know when the big day comes. You can also subscribe to the Web Mail Beta Alert, and the beta team will notify you of this and other Web Mail beta events (via email)." :-)

Hope you enjoy Web Suite Basic. Let us know what you think by leaving comments here after you’ve had a chance to test drive it.

PS. If you want to continue using great features such as AOL Calendar, AIM Panel, AOL Pictures or linked screen name, you’ll be able to keep using our Standard version!

Rose

UPDATE: In order to make the Basic version as fast as possible, we had to defer a couple of items, such as the "address auto-complete in the To: field" and the "Linked Screen Names" features for now. We're looking into how we may be able to add those features soon to this new product, while keeping it still faster than the Standard version. Stay tuned.


Tags: Standard, Basic, differences, Barbados, phase-out