Tough choice between different roads to similar output
Today's evolving Internet and corporate intranet messaging requirements, rely on an easy to install comprehensive electronic mail solution to meet the challenges. On top of these solutions, come the Imail and the Webmail. Both combine simplicity, powerful capabilities and low cost to thoroughly meet the needs of small and large business.
Webmail, or web-based email, is a method for retrieving and sending email messages through a web browser-using http. Webmail enables you to check your email from any computer that has Internet access and internet browsing programs such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. All you need to do is type the correct URL into the location box and then log in with your user name and password. You will be able to send and receive emails, as well as create and maintain an address book away from home. Some companies offer free web based email accounts such as yahoo and hotmail.
Other third party companies provide free web-mail access to pop accounts as well. Webmail has a graphical interface, and it runs on a web server that allows people to access their existing email account. It is different than using a PC-based client software such as Eudora or MS Outlook in that the email messages and client software all reside permanently on the server, not on the users PC. This may lead to a number of advantages and a few disadvantages. Using webmail, the user is less vulnerable to viruses and hackers. It greatly reduces users exposure to them. The email resides on a highly secure server that is routinely upgraded, secured, and monitored.
Moreover, webmail can be used from any computer at home, work, or on travels. No special client software is needed. By using webmail clients gain automatic backup of email. Since the email is stored on a server, not on a local PC, the backup of the server will protect the account. Users do not need to worry about a customized backup of their local PCs.
Despite of all those advantages, there are still some disadvantages, such as the slow response it has. This is because the email server is doing the processing and sending the data to user. In addition to that, there is the small capacity problem. Users may have a certain space limit on the server. This is necessary to protect the server from becoming overloaded with user emails. On the other hand, Imail can be defined as an academic e-mail system where most of its use is now days.It can be successfully implemented in business environments. It is an easy to install and administer system. Imail significantly reduces both the initial cost of mail implementation and the on-going cost of administration. Its easy-to-use features improve productivity and provide a robust alternative to proprietary systems or complicated Unix-based Internet mail.
Imail provides a full integration with any windows user databases and an ability to form user mail accounts on an external database. Moreover, Imail e-mail can be read with any POP3, IMAP4 mail client or any web browser. With Imail, users can add a large capacity to their mailbox; around 50 Mbytes or more. Users can also send attachment of big sizes, which may reach 1.5 Mbytes or more. But attachments larger than 1.5 Mbytes are not much recommended.
Fadi Bou Diab
© IT News 2004
