FirstClass
FirstClass is a client-server groupware platform used primarily by educational institutions, offering email, online conferencing, voice and fax services, bulletin-board system features, and discussion forums. The platform is maintained by OpenText and serves over 3 million organizations globally, with particular strength in K-12 and higher-education sectors across North America. FirstClass clients are available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, allowing students, teachers, and administrators to access shared messaging and collaboration tools.
AI Recommendation
1 suggestionFirstClass on macOS was last officially supported on macOS 10.15 Catalina according to public documentation, and there is no evidence of a native Apple Silicon build having been released by OpenText. The app is now over five years beyond its last supported macOS version, and a native version does not appear to exist. This means FirstClass will not run on any current Mac running macOS 12 or newer, and it will certainly not run once Apple removes Rosetta 2 in macOS 28 (September 2028). If your institution still relies on FirstClass, contact OpenText directly to ask whether a native Apple Silicon build is under development or planned, as this is a critical decision point before the Rosetta 2 deadline. If OpenText has no near-term update planned, your school or organization should begin evaluating modern alternatives such as Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Meet, Classroom), Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint), or Canvas/Brightspace for learning management — all of these run natively on current Macs and are actively maintained for Apple Silicon. Migrating from a legacy groupware platform is a significant undertaking, so starting that conversation now with your IT team is important.
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