[ Thanks to Kevin
Reichard for this link. ]
“We looked at a beta Linux version of Lyris, a relatively
inexpensive list server that will allow you to serve several types
of mailing lists, from announcement lists to open discussion forums
to moderated discussion groups to auto-responder “doc-bots” (the
same type of auto-responder feature found in many of the better
e-mail clients). The server’s best selling point is that it can
be used at no cost by small businesses for creating an unlimited
number of mailing lists. The only restriction when using Lyris as
freeware is that a maximum of 200 members are allowed per
list.“
“Of Lyris’s many features, perhaps the best is its Web-based
interface, which gives administrators the ability to make
configuration and administration changes over the Web. The
interface allows users to read, contribute, search, join, and leave
mailing lists over the Web. Users also have the option of choosing
to receive their messages from Lyris mailing lists by regular
e-mail or by accessing and reading them on the Web.”
“This Web functionality makes Lyris easy to use for both end
users and system administrators, especially sysadmins who don’t
want to work with the sometimes cryptic commands found in many list
management tools. Let’s face it — most users aren’t that thrilled
with sending cryptic e-mail messages totally devoid of content and
containing only the words “subscribe/unsubscribe” in the subject
line. Neither are administrators who must handle misaddressed mail
by hand. With Lyris, end users can connect to a Web page, enter a
username and password, and make changes to their e-mail
arrangements. If you want a glimpse at how Lyris handles mailing
lists, check out this Web site.”