We are using 4.5.1 and have most of our reps using the sugar email with multiple problems. we have tried to stick to this so that we have the tracking ability between emails and leads/contacts/opportunities/etc.

Many of our reps use a forwarder to receive email in a 3rd party location also, since 4.5.1 seems to not receive all the emails that are sent to it.

I had come across people mentioning that they use a 3rd party email client that they sync with sugar. I never looked into it then as i was holding out for 5.0. However, we have some issues delaying our upgrade along with the other issues surrounding the 5.0 email. I tried to search out information on this but wasnt able to find anything.

It might be wishful thinking but can we really use a 3rd party email that syncs with sugar? and by syncing with sugar, does it create the relationship between the email and the lead/contact/opportunity/etc.???