Rumors have been floating around campus about a change from IBM's Lotus Notes e-mail system to the more high tech Google mail (Gmail) accounts.

Lotus Notes users have been complaining of not having enough storage, so UDit has decided to look into a new e-mail system.

"We feel that offering students an increase in storage is advantageous for the students," said Susan McCabe, assistant CIO, financial and administrative operations and director of systems integration.

The benefits of switching will ultimately be the maximized mail storage that Gmail offers to users. The idea is still fresh, and there are still questions unanswered about the switch.

"We feel that we need to thoroughly research this decision before we make a move," McCabe said. "We will be talking with other schools about their experiences."

If the university does switch to Gmail, students and faculty will have access to many features such as built in chat which can be text, voice or video, and students will be able to access their e-mail on their mobile devices. Gmail also protects each e-mail account from receiving junk mail and students can search within their mailbox to find certain e-mails.

"I think Gmail would be the best option because other schools have done and it seems to be an efficient way for people to connect," sophomore Ben Weeda said.

Labels are also used in the system. Students can star important e-mails or file the messages into specific labels. It's a more flexible and efficient way to sort through messages.

Storage is the key aspect of Gmail, instead of cluttering the mailboxes with deleted messages students can archive them. Gmail stores over 7,426 megabytes of free storage.

"I like the idea," sophomore Sarah Farr said. "Gmail is much easier to navigate and will allow us students to connect with each other."

However, some students feel that security could be an issue if there is a switch to Gmail.

"It is important for our school to have their own e-mail system for security and safety of the students' identity," sophomore Annie Figliulo said. "I believe we should stick with Lotus Notes."

If the switch does occur, the university will assign students their own e-mail addresses, and if students already have a Gmail account it will remain independent of the UD brand.

There is no definite answer whether or not the switch will occur, but if it does it will take place next summer and be ready for the 2011 school year, McCabe said.